US Bridges

Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.2 MI S Sandy Mush Road · Structure no. 39C0301

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek is a steel culvert carrying Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek in Merced County, California. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2046. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBliss Road
CrossesDutchman Creek
Location0.2 MI S Sandy Mush Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.18205, -120.38302
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2005)
Projected traffic210 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bliss Road over Dutchman 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 Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Bliss Road over Dutchman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.