US Bridges

Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.8 MI N/E of SR 165 · Structure no. 39C0247

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
116 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
105
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough in Merced County, California. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 105 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 154 by 2042. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWolfsen Road
CrossesSalt Slough
Location0.8 MI N/E of SR 165
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.15917, -120.81276
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2008)
Projected traffic154 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Wolfsen Road over Salt Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.