US Bridges

State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-033-4.64 · Structure no. 39 0053

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
104 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1918 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 107 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.

It carries about 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,946 by 2045. The structure is 104 ft (31.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 33
CrossesArroyo Canal
Location10-MER-033-4.64
RouteState Highway 33
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.03595, -120.63554
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2009)
Projected traffic5,946 by 2045
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal?

The structure is 104 ft (31.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 33 over Arroyo Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.