US Bridges

Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo

Fair

Los Angeles County, California · 0.1MI E/O Bluff RD · Structure no. 53C2045

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1927
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
480 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,813
2017 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo is a steel truss - deck carrying Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo in Los Angeles County, California. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1927, so it is 104 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 24,813 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,775 by 2041. The structure is 480 ft (146.2 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhittier Blvd
CrossesRio Hondo
Location0.1MI E/O Bluff RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLos Angeles County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.00771, -118.09889
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length480 ft (146.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,813 (2017)
Projected traffic29,775 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1927.

What condition is Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo 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 2024.

How much traffic does Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo carry?

About 24,813 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo?

The structure is 480 ft (146.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Whittier Blvd over Rio Hondo?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.