US Bridges

State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek

Poor

Mariposa County, California · 10-MPA-140-37.83 · Structure no. 40 0007

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,400
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek in Mariposa County, California. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,172 by 2046. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

CarriesState Route 140
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location10-MPA-140-37.83
RouteState Highway 140
Coordinates37.64237, -119.92529
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2009)
Projected traffic1,172 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$587,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 140 over Sweetwater 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 140 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.