US Bridges

E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal

Fair

Fresno County, California · Just East of Highland Ave · Structure no. 42C0446

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1999 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,095 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesE South Ave
CrossesFowler Switch Canal
LocationJust East of Highland Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.61983, -119.62764
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1999)
Projected traffic1,095 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is E South 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 E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1999 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns E South Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.