US Bridges

Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct

Fair

Kern County, California · 06-KER-005-12.47 · Structure no. 50 0321L

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,375
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct in Kern County, California. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 24,375 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 73,838 by 2043. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 5 SB
CrossesCalifornia Aqueduct
Location06-KER-005-12.47
RouteInterstate 5
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.97142, -118.94062
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,375 (2009)
Projected traffic73,838 by 2043
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 SB over California 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct carry?

About 24,375 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 SB over California Aqueduct?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.