US Bridges

N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal

FairPosted for load

Fresno County, California · 0.3 MI North of Belmont · Structure no. 42C0520

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 384 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN Viau Ave
CrossesFresno Canal
Location0.3 MI North of Belmont
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.75703, -119.47036
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2010)
Projected traffic384 by 2042
Trucks5%
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 N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is N Viau Ave over Fresno 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns N Viau Ave over Fresno Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.