US Bridges

State Route 168 over Owens River

Good

Inyo County, California · 09-INY-168-R19.79 · Structure no. 48 0061

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,820
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 168 over Owens River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 168 over Owens River in Inyo County, California. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,820 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,603 by 2041. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesState Route 168
CrossesOwens River
Location09-INY-168-R19.79
RouteState Highway 168
Coordinates37.17831, -118.26519
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,820 (2017)
Projected traffic10,603 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 168 over Owens River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 168 over Owens River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 168 over Owens River carry?

About 8,820 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is State Route 168 over Owens River?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 168 over Owens River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.