US Bridges

Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch

Fair

Kings County, California · 0.9 MI E of 14th Ave · Structure no. 45C0099

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
350
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch in Kings County, California. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 544 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElder Ave
CrossesLast Chance Ditch
Location0.9 MI E of 14th Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.3862, -119.69338
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2017)
Projected traffic544 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elder 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 Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Elder Ave over Last Chance Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.