US Bridges

State Route 46 over West Side Canal

Fair

Kern County, California · 06-KER-046-32.85 · Structure no. 50 0029

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 46 over West Side Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 46 over West Side Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 69 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 6 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,610 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 124 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 46
CrossesWest Side Canal
Location06-KER-046-32.85
RouteState Highway 46
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.61627, -119.64761
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.8 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2009)
Projected traffic9,610 by 2042
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 46 over West Side Canal built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is State Route 46 over West Side 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 46 over West Side Canal carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is State Route 46 over West Side Canal?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 46 over West Side Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.