US Bridges

Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel

Good

Orange County, California · 0.1 Mi. N/O Orangethorpe · Structure no. 55C0316

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 61 years old, older 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 4,700 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,466 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesJefferson Street
CrossesRichfield Channel
Location0.1 Mi. N/O Orangethorpe
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates33.86977, -117.83692
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2015)
Projected traffic8,466 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns Jefferson Street over Richfield Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.