US Bridges

Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal

Good

Kern County, California · 0.5 MI South of Brite RD · Structure no. 50C0115

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,450
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,450 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,282 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesButtonwillow Drive
CrossesWestside Canal
Location0.5 MI South of Brite RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.36331, -119.47415
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating84.3 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 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 Westside Canal built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal carry?

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

How long is Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Buttonwillow Drive over Westside Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.