US Bridges

San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash

Fair

Los Angeles County, California · 0.5 MI NW Paxton ST · Structure no. 53C0302

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
148 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash is a concrete arch - deck carrying San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash in Los Angeles County, California. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 100 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 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,677 by 2043. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSan Fernando RD
CrossesPacoima Wash
Location0.5 MI NW Paxton ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLos Angeles County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.27725, -118.43373
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating105.8 US tons
Inventory rating63.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2020)
Projected traffic20,677 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns San Fernando RD over Pacoima Wash?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.