US Bridges

State Route 165 over Outside Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-165-4.52 · Structure no. 39 0201

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 165 over Outside Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 165 over Outside Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 92 ft (28 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 165
CrossesOutside Canal
Location10-MER-165-4.52
RouteState Highway 165
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.99503, -120.83711
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 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 closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 State Route 165 over Outside Canal built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 165 over Outside 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 Outside Canal carry?

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

How long is State Route 165 over Outside Canal?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 165 over Outside Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.