US Bridges

Road 16 over Homeland Canal

Poor

Tulare County, California · 1.0 MI N of Avenue 56 · Structure no. 46C0215

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 16 over Homeland Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 16 over Homeland Canal in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 175 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 547 by 2046. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 16
CrossesHomeland Canal
Location1.0 MI N of Avenue 56
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.90583, -119.5377
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2020)
Projected traffic547 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$440,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road 16 over Homeland Canal built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 16 over Homeland Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Road 16 over Homeland Canal carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 16 over Homeland Canal?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Road 16 over Homeland Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.