US Bridges

Merced Avenue over High Line Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.5 MI South Bloss Ave · Structure no. 39C0312

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merced Avenue over High Line Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Merced Avenue over High Line Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 83 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMerced Avenue
CrossesHigh Line Canal
Location0.5 MI South Bloss Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.39686, -120.79592
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1980)
Projected traffic83 by 2042
Trucks—
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 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 Merced Avenue over High Line Canal built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merced Avenue over High Line 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Merced Avenue over High Line Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Merced Avenue over High Line Canal?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Merced Avenue over High Line Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.