US Bridges

Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct

Fair

Inyo County, California · 0.5 MI W of RTE 395 JCT · Structure no. 48C0036

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct in Inyo County, California. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 52 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesCottonwood RD
CrossesLos Angeles Aqueduct
Location0.5 MI W of RTE 395 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyInyo County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.44074, -118.04245
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic52 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Cottonwood RD over Los Angeles Aqueduct?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.