US Bridges

Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal

Good

Merced County, California · 10-MER-005-24.86 · Structure no. 39 0174R

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
236 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 21,500 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,525 by 2046. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

CarriesInterstate 5 NB
CrossesDelta-Mendota Canal
Location10-MER-005-24.86
RouteInterstate 5
Coordinates37.14485, -121.04166
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.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,500 (2020)
Projected traffic26,525 by 2046
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal 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 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal carry?

About 21,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 NB over Delta-Mendota Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.