US Bridges

Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Madera County, California · At Road 19 · Structure no. 41C0149

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek in Madera County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 105 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 143 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesAvenue 16.5
CrossesDry Creek
LocationAt Road 19
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.98914, -120.20329
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating13.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2020)
Projected traffic143 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 16.5 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Avenue 16.5 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 Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Avenue 16.5 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.