US Bridges

Chester Ave NB over Kern River

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.3 MI S Roberts Lane · Structure no. 50C0081R

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
442 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,973
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chester Ave NB over Kern River is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Chester Ave NB over Kern River in Kern County, California. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 9,973 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,664 by 2042. The structure is 442 ft (134.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesChester Ave NB
CrossesKern River
Location0.3 MI S Roberts Lane
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.40164, -119.01922
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length442 ft (134.7 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,973 (2016)
Projected traffic15,664 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Chester Ave NB over Kern River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chester Ave NB 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Chester Ave NB over Kern River carry?

About 9,973 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Chester Ave NB over Kern River?

The structure is 442 ft (134.7 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Chester Ave NB over Kern River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.