US Bridges

Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.6 MI East of Gurr Road · Structure no. 39C0279

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough in Merced County, California. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2044. The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWardrobe Avenue
CrossesSouth Slough
Location0.6 MI East of Gurr Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.2953, -120.54929
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (12 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2005)
Projected traffic750 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wardrobe Avenue over South 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough?

The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Wardrobe Avenue over South Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.