US Bridges

M 220 over Bear Creek

Fair

Tulare County, California · 6.7 MI E of Balch Parkrd · Structure no. 46C0183

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
220
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 220 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying M 220 over Bear Creek in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 159 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 220
CrossesBear Creek
Location6.7 MI E of Balch Parkrd
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.20634, -118.72829
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2014)
Projected traffic159 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 M 220 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 220 over Bear Creek 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 M 220 over Bear Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M 220 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns M 220 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.