US Bridges

Bowker RD over Central Main Canal

Poor

Imperial County, California · 200 Ft N/O Cole RD · Structure no. 58C0031

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowker RD over Central Main Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Bowker RD over Central Main Canal in Imperial County, California. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2042. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBowker RD
CrossesCentral Main Canal
Location200 Ft N/O Cole RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyImperial County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.69446, -115.46515
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2020)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2042
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$546,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bowker RD over Central Main Canal built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bowker RD over Central Main Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Bowker RD over Central Main Canal carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Bowker RD over Central Main Canal?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bowker RD over Central Main Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.