US Bridges

Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.4 MI West of R Street · Structure no. 39C0406

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,812
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 6 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 5,812 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,114 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBuena Vista Drive
CrossesFahrens Creek
Location0.4 MI West of R Street
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.32729, -120.49325
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,812 (2016)
Projected traffic9,114 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek carry?

About 5,812 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Buena Vista Drive over Fahrens Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.