US Bridges

RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-057-11.20-ORA · Structure no. 55 0618

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
229,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel is a concrete continuous culvert carrying RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 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 229,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 265,000 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 183 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 57 & Chapman
CrossesBitterbush Channel
Location12-ORA-057-11.20-ORA
RouteState Highway 57
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.78653, -117.87968
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width183 ft (55.9 m)
Roadway width180 ft (54.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic229,000 (2020)
Projected traffic265,000 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure19
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel 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 RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel carry?

About 229,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 183 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 57 & Chapman over Bitterbush Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.