US Bridges

Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 0.25 MI E/O Magnolia ST · Structure no. 55C0138

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
83 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
32,000
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Adams Avenue over Talbert 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 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 32,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,500 by 2040. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 108 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesAdams Avenue
CrossesTalbert Channel
Location0.25 MI E/O Magnolia ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.67214, -117.96704
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width108 ft (32.9 m)
Roadway width81 ft (24.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,000 (2020)
Projected traffic38,500 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel built?

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

What condition is Adams Avenue over Talbert 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel carry?

About 32,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 108 ft wide.

Who owns Adams Avenue over Talbert Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.