US Bridges

State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-165-3.33 · Structure no. 39 0200

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,383 by 2047. The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesState Route 165
CrossesDelta-Mendota Canal
Location10-MER-165-3.33
RouteState Highway 165
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.97802, -120.83736
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length117 ft (35.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2009)
Projected traffic4,383 by 2047
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota 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 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal?

The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 165 over Delta-Mendota Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.