US Bridges

Avenue 15 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Madera County, California · 3 MI W of RD 35 · Structure no. 41C0157

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
59 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
578
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 15 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Avenue 15 over Cottonwood Creek in Madera County, California. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 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 578 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,210 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAvenue 15
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location3 MI W of RD 35
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.96664, -119.96614
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
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 traffic578 (2020)
Projected traffic2,210 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 15 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Avenue 15 over Cottonwood 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 15 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 578 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 15 over Cottonwood Creek?

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 15 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.