US Bridges

Route 55 over Katella Ave

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-055-15.24-ORA · Structure no. 55 0324

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
186 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
228,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 55 over Katella Ave is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Route 55 over Katella Ave in Orange County, California. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 64 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 228,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 275,000 by 2042. The structure is 186 ft (56.6 m) long and 173 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesRoute 55
CrossesKatella Ave
Location12-ORA-055-15.24-ORA
RouteState Highway 55
Coordinates33.81003, -117.83168
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.1 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length186 ft (56.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width173 ft (52.6 m)
Roadway width167 ft (51 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic228,000 (2020)
Projected traffic275,000 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Route 55 over Katella Ave built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Route 55 over Katella Ave 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Route 55 over Katella Ave carry?

About 228,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 55 over Katella Ave?

The structure is 186 ft (56.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 173 ft wide.

Who owns Route 55 over Katella Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.