US Bridges

Avenue 25 over Chowchilla River

Fair

Madera County, California · At Merced County Line · Structure no. 41C0180

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
351
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 25 over Chowchilla River is a steel arch - deck carrying Avenue 25 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 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 351 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 546 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAvenue 25
CrossesChowchilla River
LocationAt Merced County Line
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.1127, -120.40593
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.
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 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 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 traffic351 (1980)
Projected traffic546 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 25 over Chowchilla River built?

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

What condition is Avenue 25 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Avenue 25 over Chowchilla River carry?

About 351 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 25 over Chowchilla River?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Avenue 25 over Chowchilla River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.