US Bridges

State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch

Fair

Imperial County, California · 11-IMP-086-54.00 · Structure no. 58 0137R

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,550
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch in Imperial County, California. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 5 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 7,550 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,420 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 86 NB
CrossesSurprise Ditch
Location11-IMP-086-54.00
RouteState Highway 86
CountyImperial County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.25324, -115.94476
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,550 (2021)
Projected traffic11,420 by 2040
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch carry?

About 7,550 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 86 NB over Surprise Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.