US Bridges

Road 16 over Tule River

Fair

Tulare County, California · 0.5 MI N of Avenue 132 · Structure no. 46C0217

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
118 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
425
1978 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 16 over Tule River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 16 over Tule River in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 425 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 547 by 2046. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 16
CrossesTule River
Location0.5 MI N of Avenue 132
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.03559, -119.53604
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic425 (1978)
Projected traffic547 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 16 over Tule River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 16 over 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Road 16 over Tule River carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (1978 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 16 over Tule River?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Road 16 over Tule River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.