US Bridges

S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal

Fair

Fresno County, California · 0.2 MI N of Jensen Ave · Structure no. 42C0124

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,955
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 40 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 5,955 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,449 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesS Bethel Ave
CrossesFowler Switch Canal
Location0.2 MI N of Jensen Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.70916, -119.57412
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.2 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,955 (2011)
Projected traffic4,449 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch 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 S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal carry?

About 5,955 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns S Bethel Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.