Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal
PoorMerced County, California · 0.5 MI E Orchard RD · Structure no. 39C0114
- Built
- 1975
- 50 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2025
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 43 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 108
- 2014 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 108 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 212 by 2047. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal built?
It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.
What condition is Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.
How much traffic does Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal carry?
About 108 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.
How long is Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal?
The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.
Who owns Cottonwood Road over Outside Canal?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.