US Bridges

Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek

Fair

Fresno County, California · 06-FRE-005-49.99 · Structure no. 42 0249R

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,398 by 2043. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesInterstate 5 NB
CrossesPanoche Creek
Location06-FRE-005-49.99
RouteInterstate 5
Coordinates36.65204, -120.63212
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span72 ft (22 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2009)
Projected traffic23,398 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (22 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 NB over Panoche Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.