California Highways:
www.cahighways.org

This route was defined in 1974.

O’Byrne’s Ferry Bridge started out as a simple old toll bridge between two counties. Patrick O. Byrne started construction of a chain cable bridge in 1852 across the Stanislaus River on the line between Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. It soon became a bustling toll bridge since it was on the primary road between Stockton and Sonora. Unfortunately, the bridge had a short first life. Heavy rain weakened the structure and one of the chains gave way as a six-ox team and two men were crossing it! The men were able to swim to safety, but the oxen and wagon were swept away. The bridge was mended and continued to serve as a toll bridge for years until the devastating flood of 1862 washed it away along with almost every bridge on the rivers in the Sierra foothills. There are conflicting accounts about whether or not the bridge was ever restored after its first incident. Some say a ferry served those wishing to cross until the Union Bridge was built in 1862, while others say it was restored right away. Either way, the bridge sustained as a toll bridge until 1902 when it was purchased by the neighboring counties; Calaveras and Tuolumne for $4000. A local cattleman convinced the counties to split the cost and make it a free bridge for the reason that he disapproved of paying the toll when the bridge was in poor condition and was dangerous for horses. Decades later, the Tri-Dam Project was approved which meant that the creation of the Tulloch Reservoir would drown the bridge. Numerous historical groups, as well as the general public, were concerned for the demise of the bridge and wanted to preserve it somehow. Many plans were drawn up, some wanted to float it and turn it into a tourist stop but unfortunately, time was not on their side. The Irrigation Districts had closed the flood gates and the water was rising fast! After much effort and even the use of dynamite, the bridge was eventually detached from the shores and made a splash as is was drug to its final resting place. Locals began scavenging for nails, washers and even wood planks to take as souvenirs. Slowly, day by day, workers took apart what was left of the bridge and it was sold to various parties planning on using parts at other recreational areas around the reservoir.
(Source: Sierra Nevada Tourism, "O'Byrne's Ferry Bridge (№ 281 California Historical Landmark)", 3/2/2026)

The O'Byrne Ferry Covered Bridge was removed during 1955 as part of the Tri-Dam Project which eventually formed Lake Tulloch.  O'Byrne's Ferry Road was subsequently realigned via a bridge that crossed the Tuolumne/Calaveras County line at the site of Lake Tulloch.  The current O'Byrne's Ferry historical plaque was placed by the Calaveras County Historical Society during 1993 along County Sign Route E15.
(Source: Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer): "O'Bryne's Ferry Covered Bridge", 7/19/2023)

• Gribblenation Blog:
  •  Signed County Route E15 to Copperopolis
  •  O'Bryne's Ferry Covered Bridge

Unsigned along the route. There is a sign directing traffic to E15 from Route 108/Route 120, and another E15 sign at the Tuolumne/Calaveras county border. Total mileage: 12.91 mi.

• ⦅Routing⦆
  • Segment 1
  • Segment 2
  • Segment 3
• ⦅History and Signage Information⦆
• ⦅Other WWW Links⦆
• ⦅Status⦆
• ⦅Acronyms and Explanations⦆