US Bridges

Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.2 MI S/O Norris RD · Structure no. 50C0070

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,300
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 4,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,210 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKnudsen Drive
CrossesBeardsley Canal
Location0.2 MI S/O Norris RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.41877, -119.06076
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,300 (2005)
Projected traffic7,210 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Knudsen Drive over Beardsley 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal carry?

About 4,300 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Knudsen Drive over Beardsley Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.