US Bridges

Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir

Poor

Tuolumne County, California · 4 Miles South of Route 4 · Structure no. 32C0076

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Segmental Box Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,293 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir is a prestressed concrete continuous segmental box girder carrying Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir in Tuolumne County, California. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,643 by 2046. The structure is 1,293 ft (394 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

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CarriesParrotts Ferry RD
CrossesNew Melones Reservoir
Location4 Miles South of Route 4
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTuolumne County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.03943, -120.45591
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeSegmental Box Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,293 ft (394 m)
Longest span640 ft (195 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2016)
Projected traffic3,643 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.1 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir?

The structure is 1,293 ft (394 m) long with a longest span of 640 ft (195 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Parrotts Ferry RD over New Melones Reservoir?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.