US Bridges

State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal

Good

Fresno County, California · 06-FRE-099-22.13-FRE · Structure no. 42 0188

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
212 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
85,000
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 69 years old, older 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 85,000 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 121,000 by 2040. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 133 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesState Route 99
CrossesNielsen Houghton Canal
Location06-FRE-099-22.13-FRE
RouteState Highway 99
Coordinates36.74303, -119.81846
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width133 ft (40.4 m)
Roadway width127 ft (38.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic85,000 (2015)
Projected traffic121,000 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal carry?

About 85,000 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 133 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 99 over Nielsen Houghton Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.