US Bridges

Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek

Fair

Kern County, California · 2.3 MI N of So. Ho 119 · Structure no. 50C0112

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
52 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,150
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek 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 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 1,150 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,486 by 2041. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesElk Hills Road
CrossesBuena Vista Creek
Location2.3 MI N of So. Ho 119
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.2229, -119.44554
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.9 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,150 (2007)
Projected traffic3,486 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek built?

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

What condition is Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek carry?

About 1,150 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Elk Hills Road over Buena Vista Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.