US Bridges

Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel

Good

Kern County, California · 1.0 MI E of Capital Hills · Structure no. 50C0401

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,706
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel in Kern County, California. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 3,706 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,543 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChallenger Drive
CrossesEast Drainage Channel
Location1.0 MI E of Capital Hills
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.14151, -118.43442
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,706 (2011)
Projected traffic6,543 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel carry?

About 3,706 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Challenger Drive over East Drainage Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.