US Bridges

Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River

Fair

Tulare County, California · 0.1 MI Balch Park RD · Structure no. 46C0169

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
89 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
175
1979 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 246 by 2042. The structure is 89 ft (27.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSm 220
CrossesNorth Fork Tule River
Location0.1 MI Balch Park RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.18608, -118.79795
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating79.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length89 ft (27.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (1979)
Projected traffic246 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (1979 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River?

The structure is 89 ft (27.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Sm 220 over North Fork Tule River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.