US Bridges

Bell Drive over Atwater Canal

Good

Merced County, California · 0.1 MI W Bert Crane RD · Structure no. 39C0405

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,021
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Drive over Atwater Canal is a concrete slab carrying Bell Drive over Atwater Canal in Merced County, California. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,021 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,095 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Drive
CrossesAtwater Canal
Location0.1 MI W Bert Crane RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.34599, -120.63372
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,021 (2008)
Projected traffic1,095 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Bell Drive over Atwater Canal built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bell Drive over Atwater Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Drive over Atwater Canal carry?

About 1,021 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Bell Drive over Atwater Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Drive over Atwater Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.