US Bridges

Rancheria Road over Kern River

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.7 MI North of SR 178 · Structure no. 50C0019

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
240 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
412
2012 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rancheria Road over Kern River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rancheria Road over Kern River in Kern County, California. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 412 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 626 by 2042. The structure is 240 ft (73 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRancheria Road
CrossesKern River
Location0.7 MI North of SR 178
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.42556, -118.82953
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length240 ft (73 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic412 (2012)
Projected traffic626 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Rancheria Road over Kern River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rancheria Road over Kern River 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does Rancheria Road over Kern River carry?

About 412 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rancheria Road over Kern River?

The structure is 240 ft (73 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Rancheria Road over Kern River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.