US Bridges

Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.4 MI S Pioneer RD · Structure no. 39C0295

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
106 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
158
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Volta Road over Delta-Mendota 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 158 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 313 by 2045. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesVolta Road
CrossesDelta-Mendota Canal
Location0.4 MI S Pioneer RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.03739, -120.92707
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic158 (2008)
Projected traffic313 by 2045
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal built?

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

What condition is Volta Road 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 Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal carry?

About 158 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Volta Road over Delta-Mendota Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.