US Bridges

12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch

Fair

Kings County, California · 0.5 MI N of Excelsior Ave · Structure no. 45C0093

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying 12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch in Kings County, California. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 435 by 2045. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries12th Ave
CrossesLast Chance Ditch
Location0.5 MI N of Excelsior Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.40851, -119.67284
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 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 traffic600 (2017)
Projected traffic435 by 2045
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Last Chance Ditch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is 12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns 12th Ave over Last Chance Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.