US Bridges

Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 1.5 MI W Ortigalita Road · Structure no. 39C0263

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
315
1990 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 315 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 891 by 2045. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesAlmond Drive
CrossesDelta-Mendota Canal
Location1.5 MI W Ortigalita Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.99835, -120.87522
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
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 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 rating30 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic315 (1990)
Projected traffic891 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota 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 Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal carry?

About 315 vehicles per day (1990 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Almond Drive over Delta-Mendota Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.