US Bridges

Chester Ave over Levee Canal

Fair

Kern County, California · North of 42nd ST · Structure no. 50C0080

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1942
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,625
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chester Ave over Levee Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Chester Ave over Levee Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1942, so it is 95 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 15,625 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,140 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 106 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesChester Ave
CrossesLevee Canal
LocationNorth of 42nd ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.39887, -119.01851
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width106 ft (32.4 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,625 (2002)
Projected traffic17,140 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Chester Ave over Levee Canal built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1942.

What condition is Chester Ave over Levee 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Chester Ave over Levee Canal carry?

About 15,625 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Chester Ave over Levee Canal?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 106 ft wide.

Who owns Chester Ave over Levee Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.