US Bridges

Old River Road over California Aqueduct

Fair

Kern County, California · 0.5 MI North of RTE 166 · Structure no. 50C0122

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,301
2011 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Old River Road over California Aqueduct is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Old River Road over California Aqueduct in Kern County, California. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 2,301 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,163 by 2041. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld River Road
CrossesCalifornia Aqueduct
Location0.5 MI North of RTE 166
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.06681, -119.13271
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,301 (2011)
Projected traffic4,163 by 2041
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State 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 Old River Road over California Aqueduct built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old River Road over California Aqueduct 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 Old River Road over California Aqueduct carry?

About 2,301 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Old River Road over California Aqueduct?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m).

Who owns Old River Road over California Aqueduct?

It is owned by the Other State Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.