US Bridges

Sonora Road over Martells Creek

Fair

Stanislaus County, California · 1.1 MI E Frankenheimer RD · Structure no. 38C0273

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
182
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sonora Road over Martells Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Sonora Road over Martells Creek in Stanislaus County, California. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 182 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 281 by 2043. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSonora Road
CrossesMartells Creek
Location1.1 MI E Frankenheimer RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyStanislaus County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.85854, -120.75478
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic182 (2016)
Projected traffic281 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 Sonora Road over Martells Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sonora Road over Martells 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 2023.

How much traffic does Sonora Road over Martells Creek carry?

About 182 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Sonora Road over Martells Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Sonora Road over Martells Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.