US Bridges

Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough

FairPosted for load

Madera County, California · 0.3 MI W of Road 15 · Structure no. 41C0174

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
162 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough is a steel truss - thru carrying Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough in Madera County, California. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 173 by 2041. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesAvenue 21 1/2
CrossesBerenda Slough
Location0.3 MI W of Road 15
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.06172, -120.27914
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (1980)
Projected traffic173 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough 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 2023.

How much traffic does Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Avenue 21 1/2 over Berenda Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.