US Bridges

Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-005-4.97-SCLE · Structure no. 55 0223

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
174 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero in Orange County, California. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2017, 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 175,200 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 194,709 by 2046. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 165 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5
CrossesAvenida Vaquero
Location12-ORA-005-4.97-SCLE
RouteInterstate 5
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.45278, -117.6433
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span172 ft (52.4 m)
Deck width165 ft (50.3 m)
Roadway width160 ft (48.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175,200 (2024)
Projected traffic194,709 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero carry?

About 175,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 172 ft (52.4 m) and a deck 165 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 over Avenida Vaquero?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.