US Bridges

State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-099-R34.05 · Structure no. 39 0148R

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
125 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
37,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way in Merced County, California. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 37,000 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,778 by 2046. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesState Route 99 NB
CrossesEl Capitan Way
Location10-MER-099-R34.05
RouteState Highway 99
Coordinates37.43338, -120.77825
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.7 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,000 (2018)
Projected traffic47,778 by 2046
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way carry?

About 37,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.7 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 99 NB over El Capitan Way?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.