US Bridges

Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal

Fair

Merced County, California · 0.6 MI S Almond Drive · Structure no. 39C0352

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
660
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying Center Avenue 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 660 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,377 by 2045. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCenter Avenue
CrossesDelta-Mendota Canal
Location0.6 MI S Almond Drive
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.98943, -120.85525
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic660 (2000)
Projected traffic1,377 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 Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal built?

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

What condition is Center Avenue 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 Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal carry?

About 660 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Center Avenue over Delta-Mendota Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.