US Bridges

RD 168 over N Branch Tule River

Good

Tulare County, California · 1.4 MI N of Ave 168 · Structure no. 46C0288

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
97 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
375
1978 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

RD 168 over N Branch Tule River is a concrete continuous slab carrying RD 168 over N Branch Tule River in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 375 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 659 by 2043. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesRD 168
CrossesN Branch Tule River
Location1.4 MI N of Ave 168
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates36.11526, -119.19656
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic375 (1978)
Projected traffic659 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RD 168 over N Branch Tule River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 168 over N Branch Tule River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does RD 168 over N Branch Tule River carry?

About 375 vehicles per day (1978 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RD 168 over N Branch Tule River?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns RD 168 over N Branch Tule River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.