US Bridges

State Route 198 over Tulare Canal

Fair

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-198-R14.74 · Structure no. 46 0016

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 198 over Tulare Canal is a concrete culvert carrying State Route 198 over Tulare Canal in Tulare 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 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 20,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,337 by 2047. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 147 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesState Route 198
CrossesTulare Canal
Location06-TUL-198-R14.74
RouteState Highway 198
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.32659, -119.20696
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width147 ft (44.8 m)
Roadway width144 ft (43.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,000 (2009)
Projected traffic43,337 by 2047
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 198 over Tulare Canal built?

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

What condition is State Route 198 over Tulare 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does State Route 198 over Tulare Canal carry?

About 20,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is State Route 198 over Tulare Canal?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 147 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 198 over Tulare Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.