US Bridges

State Route 137 over Willow Canal

Good

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-137-17.49-TUL · Structure no. 46 0118

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 137 over Willow Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 137 over Willow Canal in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 104 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 21,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,050 by 2046. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesState Route 137
CrossesWillow Canal
Location06-TUL-137-17.49-TUL
RouteState Highway 137
Coordinates36.2112, -119.31343
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 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 traffic21,000 (2009)
Projected traffic43,050 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
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 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 137 over Willow Canal built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is State Route 137 over Willow Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 137 over Willow Canal carry?

About 21,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is State Route 137 over Willow Canal?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns State Route 137 over Willow Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.