US Bridges

Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.1 MI S/E Bert Crane RD · Structure no. 39C0033

Built
1912
113 years old, rebuilt 1929
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,000
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1929, so it is 113 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 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,470 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAtwater Boulevard
CrossesAtwater Canal
Location0.1 MI S/E Bert Crane RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.35371, -120.631
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2000)
Projected traffic5,470 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1929.

What condition is Atwater Boulevard over Atwater 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 2024.

How much traffic does Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Atwater Boulevard over Atwater Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.