US Bridges

Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Madera County, California · 2.1 MI South of Ave 12 · Structure no. 41C0216

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek in Madera County, California. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 28 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 24 1/2
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.1 MI South of Ave 12
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.89313, -120.10136
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic28 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 24 1/2 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 Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Road 24 1/2 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.