US Bridges

Winterhaven DR over Colorado River

Fair

Imperial County, California · 11-IMP-008U-96.87 · Structure no. 58 0286

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
837 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Winterhaven DR over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Winterhaven DR over Colorado River in Imperial County, California. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 12,600 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,589 by 2043. The structure is 837 ft (255.1 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesWinterhaven DR
CrossesColorado River
Location11-IMP-008U-96.87
RouteInterstate 8
Coordinates32.7292, -114.62457
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length837 ft (255.1 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (16 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,600 (2022)
Projected traffic19,589 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Winterhaven DR over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Winterhaven DR over Colorado River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Winterhaven DR over Colorado River carry?

About 12,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Winterhaven DR over Colorado River?

The structure is 837 ft (255.1 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Winterhaven DR over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.