US Bridges

State Route 59 over Owens Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-059-11.37 · Structure no. 39 0065

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,700
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 59 over Owens Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 59 over Owens Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 100 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 7,700 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14,507 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 59
CrossesOwens Creek
Location10-MER-059-11.37
RouteState Highway 59
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.24819, -120.48792
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,700 (2009)
Projected traffic14,507 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 59 over Owens Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is State Route 59 over Owens 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 over Owens Creek carry?

About 7,700 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 59 over Owens Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 59 over Owens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.