US Bridges

SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal

Fair

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-198-R19.64 · Structure no. 46 0047

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
61 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,900
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 12,900 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,828 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 198 (ave 296)
CrossesFriant-Kern Canal
Location06-TUL-198-R19.64
RouteState Highway 198
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.32603, -119.12118
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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 Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,900 (2009)
Projected traffic28,828 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal carry?

About 12,900 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 198 (ave 296) over Friant-Kern Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.