US Bridges

Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-005-18.46 · Structure no. 39 0162L

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
519 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct in Merced County, California. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,525 by 2046. The structure is 519 ft (158.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5 SB
CrossesCalifornia Aqueduct
Location10-MER-005-18.46
RouteInterstate 5
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.06673, -120.97966
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length519 ft (158.2 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,500 (2009)
Projected traffic26,525 by 2046
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct 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 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct carry?

About 15,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct?

The structure is 519 ft (158.2 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.