US Bridges

California Ave over Kern Island Canal

Fair

Kern County, California · West of R ST · Structure no. 50C0166

Built
1912
113 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,675
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

California Ave over Kern Island Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying California Ave over Kern Island Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 113 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 19,675 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,614 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCalifornia Ave
CrossesKern Island Canal
LocationWest of R ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.3683, -119.0102
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,675 (2013)
Projected traffic43,614 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 California Ave over Kern Island Canal built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is California Ave over Kern Island Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does California Ave over Kern Island Canal carry?

About 19,675 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is California Ave over Kern Island Canal?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns California Ave over Kern Island Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.