US Bridges

Oak Avenue over Bear Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.6 MI E Quinley Avenue · Structure no. 39C0359

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
119 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oak Avenue over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Oak Avenue over Bear Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2046. The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOak Avenue
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.6 MI E Quinley Avenue
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.28025, -120.5863
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length119 ft (36.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2005)
Projected traffic210 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Oak Avenue over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oak Avenue 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Oak Avenue over Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Oak Avenue over Bear Creek?

The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Oak Avenue over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.