US Bridges

Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.9 MI E Buhach RD · Structure no. 39C0161

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
257
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek 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 257 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 943 by 2046. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElliot Avenue
CrossesCanal Creek
Location0.9 MI E Buhach RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.32056, -120.5615
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic257 (2019)
Projected traffic943 by 2046
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek built?

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

What condition is Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek 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 Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek carry?

About 257 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Elliot Avenue over Canal Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.