US Bridges

Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal

Fair

Fresno County, California · 0.2 MI West of Cove Ave · Structure no. 42C0283

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
199 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
140
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal in Fresno 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 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 219 by 2043. The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCentral Ave
CrossesFriant-Kern Canal
Location0.2 MI West of Cove Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.67573, -119.35299
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
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length199 ft (60.7 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2010)
Projected traffic219 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal built?

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

What condition is Central Ave over Friant-Kern 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal?

The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Central Ave over Friant-Kern Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.