State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek
FairMerced County, California · 10-MER-059-15.23-MER · Structure no. 39 0009R
- Built
- 1940
- 85 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected May 2024
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 231 ft
- 6 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 14,000
- 2009 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,352 by 2046. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 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 | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek built?
It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.
What condition is State Route 59 NB over Bear 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 May 2024.
How much traffic does State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek carry?
About 14,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.
How long is State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek?
The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.
Who owns State Route 59 NB over Bear Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.