US Bridges

State Route 165 over Merced River

Fair

Merced County, California · 10-MER-165-30.29 · Structure no. 39 0217

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
1,379 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,750
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 165 over Merced River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 165 over Merced River in Merced County, California. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 5 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 7,750 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14,757 by 2040. The structure is 1,379 ft (420.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 165
CrossesMerced River
Location10-MER-165-30.29
RouteState Highway 165
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.36224, -120.85031
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+29 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,379 ft (420.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,750 (2015)
Projected traffic14,757 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Merced River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 165 over Merced River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 165 over Merced River carry?

About 7,750 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is State Route 165 over Merced River?

The structure is 1,379 ft (420.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 165 over Merced River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.