US Bridges

Hornitos Road over Merced River

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.5 MI E Merced Falls RD · Structure no. 39C0070

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
302 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1990 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hornitos Road over Merced River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Hornitos Road over Merced River in Merced County, California. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,091 by 2041. The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHornitos Road
CrossesMerced River
Location0.5 MI E Merced Falls RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.52393, -120.32126
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length302 ft (92 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1990)
Projected traffic1,091 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Hornitos Road over Merced River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hornitos Road 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Hornitos Road over Merced River carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1990 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Hornitos Road over Merced River?

The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Hornitos Road over Merced River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.