US Bridges

Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 100 W Bolsa Chica RD · Structure no. 55C0108

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,250
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel is a concrete continuous slab carrying Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1972, 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 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 22,250 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,421 by 2040. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 91 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWestminster Ave
CrossesBolsa Chica Channel
Location100 W Bolsa Chica RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.75931, -118.04319
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.7 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.7 m)
Roadway width79 ft (24 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,250 (2023)
Projected traffic27,421 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel carry?

About 22,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns Westminster Ave over Bolsa Chica Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.