US Bridges

Ave 18 over Dry Creek

Fair

Madera County, California · 0.3 MI W of RD 23 · Structure no. 41C0129

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave 18 over Dry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ave 18 over Dry Creek in Madera County, California. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older 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 5 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 602 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve 18
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.3 MI W of RD 23
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.01095, -120.13471
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2016)
Projected traffic602 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Ave 18 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave 18 over Dry Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Ave 18 over Dry Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ave 18 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ave 18 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.