Valley Loop Road over Merced River
FairMariposa County, California · 7.9 Miles East from El Po · Structure no. 8800001P0000000
- Built
- 1928
- 97 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Arch - Deck
- Concrete
- Length
- 80 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 3,425
- 2022 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Valley Loop Road over Merced River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Valley Loop Road over Merced River in Mariposa County, California. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 3,425 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,110 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Valley Loop Road over Merced River built?
It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.
What condition is Valley Loop Road over Merced 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 September 2024.
How much traffic does Valley Loop Road over Merced River carry?
About 3,425 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Valley Loop Road over Merced River?
The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns Valley Loop Road over Merced River?
It is owned by the National Park Service.