US Bridges

Merced Ave over UP RR

Fair

Kern County, California · West of S.H. 99 · Structure no. 50C0069

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
760
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merced Ave over UP RR is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Merced Ave over UP RR in Kern County, California. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 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 760 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,284 by 2045. The structure is 151 ft (46.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMerced Ave
CrossesUP RR
LocationWest of S.H. 99
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.52971, -119.19107
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length151 ft (46.1 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic760 (2005)
Projected traffic1,284 by 2045
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Merced Ave over UP RR built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merced Ave over UP RR 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Merced Ave over UP RR carry?

About 760 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Merced Ave over UP RR?

The structure is 151 ft (46.1 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Merced Ave over UP RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.