US Bridges

Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River

Fair

Madera County, California · 0.6 MI E of RD 11 · Structure no. 41C0097

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
59 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
225
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River in Madera County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 225 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 306 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesAvenue 26
CrossesChowchilla River
Location0.6 MI E of RD 11
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.12718, -120.33546
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2020)
Projected traffic306 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Avenue 26 over Chowchilla River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.