US Bridges

Union Avenue over East Branch Canal

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.05MI N/O Belle Terrace · Structure no. 50C0064

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 1937
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,000
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Avenue over East Branch Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Union Avenue over East Branch Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 1937, so it is 111 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 29,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,163 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUnion Avenue
CrossesEast Branch Canal
Location0.05MI N/O Belle Terrace
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.34745, -119.00284
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,000 (2007)
Projected traffic38,163 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Union Avenue over East Branch Canal built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1937.

What condition is Union Avenue over East Branch Canal 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Union Avenue over East Branch Canal carry?

About 29,000 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Union Avenue over East Branch Canal?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Union Avenue over East Branch Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.