US Bridges

SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal

Fair

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-216-11.72 · Structure no. 46 0148

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
71 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 216 & Ave 344 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,328 by 2044. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 216 & Ave 344
CrossesFriant-Kern Canal
Location06-TUL-216-11.72
RouteState Highway 216
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.41365, -119.13985
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length71 ft (21.6 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 traffic5,500 (2009)
Projected traffic6,328 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal built?

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

What condition is SR 216 & Ave 344 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 June 2022.

How much traffic does SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 216 & Ave 344 over Friant-Kern Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.