US Bridges

Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek

Fair

Mariposa County, California · In Yosemite Valley on Tw · Structure no. 8800003P0000000

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,416
2022 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek in Mariposa County, California. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 3,416 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,099 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesValley Loop Road
CrossesYosemite Creek
LocationIn Yosemite Valley on Tw
RouteFederal Lands Road 500
Coordinates37.74532, -119.59525
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,416 (2022)
Projected traffic4,099 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$68,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Loop Road over Yosemite 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek carry?

About 3,416 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Loop Road over Yosemite Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.