US Bridges

SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-261-5.62-TUS · Structure no. 55 0798R

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
201 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD in Orange County, California. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 14,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 24,873 by 2045. The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR261 NB
CrossesHandy Creek RD
Location12-ORA-261-5.62-TUS
RouteState Highway 261
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.77888, -117.75539
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length201 ft (61.2 m)
Longest span201 ft (61.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2020)
Projected traffic24,873 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a toll 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD?

The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long with a longest span of 201 ft (61.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns SR261 NB over Handy Creek RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.