US Bridges

S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal

Fair

Fresno County, California · 0.33 MI N/O Adams Ave · Structure no. 42C0531

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
65 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1999 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 84 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 438 by 2042. The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesS Thompson Ave
CrossesFowler Switch Canal
Location0.33 MI N/O Adams Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.63923, -119.6196
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1999)
Projected traffic438 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

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

About 300 vehicles per day (1999 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

The structure is 65 ft (19.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns S Thompson Ave over Fowler Switch Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.