US Bridges

Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal

Good

Tulare County, California · 2 MI Wsw of Woodlake Ca · Structure no. FKC MP68.17

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
63 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Reclamation

About this bridge

Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal in Tulare County, California. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 196
CrossesFriant-Kern Canal
Location2 MI Wsw of Woodlake Ca
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTulare County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.4003, -119.13475
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length63 ft (19.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Reclamation
Maintained byOther Local 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 196 over Friant-Kern Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal 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 January 2021.

How much traffic does Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal?

The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns Road 196 over Friant-Kern Canal?

It is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and maintained by the Other Local Agency.