US Bridges

State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal

Fair

Tulare County, California · 06-TUL-065-23.43 · Structure no. 46 0182R

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
149 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,250
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal is a prestressed concrete continuous channel beam carrying State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 12,250 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,464 by 2044. The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 65 NB
CrossesFriant-Kern Canal
Location06-TUL-065-23.43
RouteState Highway 65
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.12486, -119.05636
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,250 (2009)
Projected traffic16,464 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 65 NB 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal carry?

About 12,250 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal?

The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 65 NB over Friant-Kern Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.