US Bridges

Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road

Good

Merced County, California · 10-MER-005-19.40 · Structure no. 39 0173L

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road is a concrete continuous slab carrying Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,525 by 2046. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesInterstate 5 SB
CrossesCanal Road
Location10-MER-005-19.40
RouteInterstate 5
Coordinates37.07753, -120.99013
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,500 (2009)
Projected traffic26,525 by 2046
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road built?

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

What condition is Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road carry?

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

How long is Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 SB over Canal Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.