US Bridges

South Ave over High Line Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.3 MI W Cortez Ave · Structure no. 39C0131

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
266
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Ave over High Line Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying South Ave over High Line Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1940, 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 266 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 510 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSouth Ave
CrossesHigh Line Canal
Location0.3 MI W Cortez Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.42647, -120.74577
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic266 (2008)
Projected traffic510 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 South Ave over High Line Canal built?

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

What condition is South Ave 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 South Ave over High Line Canal carry?

About 266 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is South Ave over High Line Canal?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns South Ave over High Line Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.