US Bridges

State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-245-20.80 · Structure no. 46 0081

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 663 by 2046. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 245
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location06-TUL-245-20.80
RouteState Highway 245
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.58227, -119.1248
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2015)
Projected traffic663 by 2046
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 245 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 245 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.