US Bridges

State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall

Good

Imperial County, California · 11-IMP-078-79.19 · Structure no. 58 0299

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
217 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,150
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall in Imperial County, California. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 61 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 2,150 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,917 by 2046. The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesState Route 78
CrossesPalo Verde Outfall
Location11-IMP-078-79.19
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates33.41154, -114.73138
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length217 ft (66.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,150 (2019)
Projected traffic7,917 by 2046
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall carry?

About 2,150 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall?

The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 78 over Palo Verde Outfall?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.