US Bridges

State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek

Good

Kern County, California · 06-KER-046-15.75 · Structure no. 50 0506R

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,000
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek in Kern County, California. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2039. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 46 EB
CrossesBitterwater Creek
Location06-KER-046-15.75
RouteState Highway 46
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.61424, -119.94913
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2013)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2022.

How much traffic does State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 46 EB over Bitterwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.