US Bridges

Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch

Fair

Tulare County, California · 0.2 MI S of Ave 336 · Structure no. 46C0048

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 80 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,187 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesRoad 196 (rte J27)
CrossesWutchumna Ditch
Location0.2 MI S of Ave 336
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.39696, -119.13524
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2015)
Projected traffic2,187 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch 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 2025.

How much traffic does Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Road 196 (rte J27) over Wutchumna Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.