US Bridges

12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal

Fair

Kings County, California · 0.6 MI S of Niles · Structure no. 45C0039

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying 12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal in Kings County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, younger 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 522 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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Carries12th Ave
CrossesTulare Lake Canal
Location0.6 MI S of Niles
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.10832, -119.68001
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2018)
Projected traffic522 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is 12th Ave over Tulare Lake 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 12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns 12th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.