US Bridges

18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal

Fair

Kings County, California · Just So Manteca Ave · Structure no. 45C0119

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
70 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal in Kings County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 45 by 2042. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries18th Ave
CrossesTulare Lake Canal
LocationJust So Manteca Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.15097, -119.78002
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic45 by 2042
Trucks15%
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 18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is 18th 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 18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 18th Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.