US Bridges

Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek

FairPosted for load

Tuolumne County, California · 4.95 MI N of Groveland · Structure no. 32C0003

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek in Tuolumne County, California. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 120 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 217 by 2041. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWards Ferry RD
CrossesDeer Creek
Location4.95 MI N of Groveland
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTuolumne County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.87296, -120.2806
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2014)
Projected traffic217 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wards Ferry RD over Deer 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Wards Ferry RD over Deer Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.