US Bridges

Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · At Thornton Road · Structure no. 39C0059

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2005 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal is a concrete culvert carrying Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,582 by 2046. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesDickenson Ferry RD
CrossesEl Capitan Canal
LocationAt Thornton Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.27315, -120.52423
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2005)
Projected traffic1,582 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan 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 Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.3 m).

Who owns Dickenson Ferry RD over El Capitan Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.