US Bridges

Fahey Road over Outside Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.2 MI E HWY 33 · Structure no. 39C0197

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
95
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fahey Road over Outside Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Fahey Road over Outside Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 6 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 95 vehicles a day, projected to reach 274 by 2047. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFahey Road
CrossesOutside Canal
Location0.2 MI E HWY 33
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.12242, -121.01246
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95 (2014)
Projected traffic274 by 2047
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Fahey Road over Outside Canal built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fahey 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 Fahey Road over Outside Canal carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Fahey Road over Outside Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Fahey Road over Outside Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.