US Bridges

RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek

Poor

Madera County, California · 0.9 MI N Ave 21 · Structure no. 41C0168

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
68
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 28 1/2 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 68 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 217 by 2041. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD 28 1/2
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.9 MI N Ave 21
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.0678, -120.02929
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68 (2020)
Projected traffic217 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$152,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek carry?

About 68 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns RD 28 1/2 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.