US Bridges

Road 132 over Elk Bayou

Fair

Tulare County, California · 0.25 MI N of A180 · Structure no. 46C0277

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 132 over Elk Bayou is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Road 132 over Elk Bayou in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 382 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 132
CrossesElk Bayou
Location0.25 MI N of A180
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.17201, -119.27762
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2010)
Projected traffic382 by 2041
Trucks10%
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 132 over Elk Bayou built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 132 over Elk Bayou 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 2023.

How much traffic does Road 132 over Elk Bayou carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 132 over Elk Bayou?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Road 132 over Elk Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.