US Bridges

Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal

Fair

Kings County, California · 0.8 MI W Tulare CO Line · Structure no. 45C0008

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,060
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal in Kings County, California. It was built in 1918 and reconstructed in 1952, so it is 107 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 5 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 2,060 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,088 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhitley Ave
CrossesSweet Canal
Location0.8 MI W Tulare CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.09797, -119.55115
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,060 (2018)
Projected traffic2,088 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is Whitley Ave over Sweet 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal carry?

About 2,060 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Whitley Ave over Sweet Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.