US Bridges

Volta Road over Outside Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.8 MI S HWY 152 · Structure no. 39C0194

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,280
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Volta Road over Outside Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Volta Road over Outside Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,280 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,820 by 2045. The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVolta Road
CrossesOutside Canal
Location0.8 MI S HWY 152
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.04559, -120.92681
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating57.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length98 ft (30 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,280 (2000)
Projected traffic1,820 by 2045
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Volta Road over Outside Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Volta Road over Outside 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Volta Road over Outside Canal carry?

About 1,280 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Volta Road over Outside Canal?

The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Volta Road over Outside Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.