US Bridges

Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.6 MI S of Brite RD · Structure no. 50C0114

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
138 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,450
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough is a concrete continuous slab carrying Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough in Kern County, California. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 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 1,450 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,282 by 2041. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesButtonwillow Drive
CrossesBuena Vista Slough
Location0.6 MI S of Brite RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.36101, -119.47415
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.5 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,450 (2007)
Projected traffic2,282 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough 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 Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough carry?

About 1,450 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Buttonwillow Drive over Buena Vista Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.