US Bridges

Route 261 NB over Utility Road

Good

Orange County, California · 12-ORA-261-4.38-TUS · Structure no. 55 0896R

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
317 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 261 NB over Utility Road is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying Route 261 NB over Utility Road 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 24,873 by 2045. The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute 261 NB
CrossesUtility Road
Location12-ORA-261-4.38-TUS
RouteState Highway 261
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.76142, -117.75957
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length317 ft (96.6 m)
Longest span154 ft (46.9 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
CrossesOther
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 Route 261 NB over Utility Road built?

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

What condition is Route 261 NB over Utility Road in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Route 261 NB over Utility Road carry?

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

How long is Route 261 NB over Utility Road?

The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long with a longest span of 154 ft (46.9 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Route 261 NB over Utility Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.