US Bridges

Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 0.1 MI E/O Harbor Blvd · Structure no. 55C0229

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel is a concrete tee beam carrying Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,303 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion Ave
CrossesBrea Creek Channel
Location0.1 MI E/O Harbor Blvd
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.87739, -117.92214
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2018)
Projected traffic4,303 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Ave over Brea Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Union Ave over Brea Creek Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.