US Bridges

Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-405-20.77-SLB · Structure no. 55 0334

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
374,000
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch in Orange County, California. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 66 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 6 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 374,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 455,000 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 156 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 405
CrossesBolsa Chica Ditch
Location12-ORA-405-20.77-SLB
RouteInterstate 405
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.77484, -118.04291
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width156 ft (47.6 m)
Roadway width153 ft (46.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic374,000 (2014)
Projected traffic455,000 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch carry?

About 374,000 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 156 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 405 over Bolsa Chica Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.