US Bridges

Cortez Road over High Line Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · South Ave · Structure no. 39C0091

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
727
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cortez Road over High Line Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cortez Road over High Line Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 85 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 727 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,203 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCortez Road
CrossesHigh Line Canal
LocationSouth Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.42646, -120.7403
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic727 (2014)
Projected traffic1,203 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Cortez Road over High Line Canal built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Cortez Road over High Line 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 Cortez Road over High Line Canal carry?

About 727 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Cortez Road over High Line Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Cortez Road over High Line Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.