US Bridges

Empire Drive over Carrier Canal

Good

Kern County, California · South of Truxtun · Structure no. 50C0310

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Empire Drive over Carrier Canal is a steel culvert carrying Empire Drive over Carrier Canal in Kern County, California. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 643 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesEmpire Drive
CrossesCarrier Canal
LocationSouth of Truxtun
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.37267, -119.04742
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2013)
Projected traffic643 by 2041
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Empire Drive over Carrier Canal built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Empire Drive over Carrier 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Empire Drive over Carrier Canal carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is Empire Drive over Carrier Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m).

Who owns Empire Drive over Carrier Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.