US Bridges

Road 9 over Chowchilla River

Fair

Madera County, California · Merced County Line · Structure no. 41C0179

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
153
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 9 over Chowchilla River is a steel arch - deck carrying Road 9 over Chowchilla River in Madera County, California. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 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 153 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 327 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesRoad 9
CrossesChowchilla River
LocationMerced County Line
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.12405, -120.38269
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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic153 (2020)
Projected traffic327 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Road 9 over Chowchilla River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 9 over Chowchilla River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Road 9 over Chowchilla River carry?

About 153 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Road 9 over Chowchilla River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Road 9 over Chowchilla River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.