US Bridges

Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River

Fair

Tuolumne County, California · 7.2 MI North of SR 120 · Structure no. 32C0012

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
403 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River in Tuolumne County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 214 by 2041. The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesWards Ferry RD
CrossesTuolumne River
Location7.2 MI North of SR 120
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTuolumne County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.8769, -120.29602
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length403 ft (122.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2014)
Projected traffic214 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Tuolumne River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River 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 Tuolumne River carry?

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

How long is Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River?

The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Wards Ferry RD over Tuolumne River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.