US Bridges

Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5

Fair

Kern County, California · 06-KER-005-13.52 · Structure no. 50 0218R

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
341 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5 in Kern County, California. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,550 by 2043. The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesWheeler Ridge RD N
CrossesInterstate 5
Location06-KER-005-13.52
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.98576, -118.9455
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length341 ft (103.9 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2007)
Projected traffic4,550 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5 carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5?

The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Wheeler Ridge RD N over Interstate 5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.