Interstate 5 SB over Kern River
PoorKern County, California · 06-KER-005-42.00 · Structure no. 50 0302L
- Built
- 1969
- 56 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected October 2024
- Type
- Slab
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 132 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 15,000
- 2019 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Interstate 5 SB over Kern River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Interstate 5 SB over Kern River in Kern County, California. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2042. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Interstate 5 SB over Kern River built?
It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.
What condition is Interstate 5 SB over Kern River 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 October 2024.
How much traffic does Interstate 5 SB over Kern River carry?
About 15,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.
How long is Interstate 5 SB over Kern River?
The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.
Who owns Interstate 5 SB over Kern River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.