US Bridges

I 5 over Santa Ana River

Fair

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-005-34.47-SA · Structure no. 55 0811

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
502 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
300,000
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 5 over Santa Ana River is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 5 over Santa Ana River in Orange County, California. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 300,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 367,764 by 2042. The structure is 502 ft (153.1 m) long and 269 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 5
CrossesSanta Ana River
Location12-ORA-005-34.47-SA
RouteInterstate 5
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.78409, -117.88205
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length502 ft (153.1 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width269 ft (82.1 m)
Roadway width264 ft (80.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300,000 (2016)
Projected traffic367,764 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure14
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 5 over Santa Ana River built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 5 over Santa Ana River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I 5 over Santa Ana River carry?

About 300,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I 5 over Santa Ana River?

The structure is 502 ft (153.1 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 269 ft wide.

Who owns I 5 over Santa Ana River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.