US Bridges

Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal

Fair

Kings County, California · 0.3 MI E 20th Ave · Structure no. 45C0138

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal in Kings County, California. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 469 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMadison Ave
CrossesTulare Lake Canal
Location0.3 MI E 20th Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKings County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.16729, -119.81101
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2018)
Projected traffic469 by 2042
Trucks20%
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 Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Madison 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 Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Madison Ave over Tulare Lake Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.