US Bridges

Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 1.2 MI N Buchanan Hlw RD · Structure no. 39C0231

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesBaxter Road
CrossesDutchman Creek
Location1.2 MI N Buchanan Hlw RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.21707, -120.1432
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic79 by 2042
Trucks—
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Baxter Road over Dutchman 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 Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Baxter Road over Dutchman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.