US Bridges

University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel

Good

Orange County, California · 250 West Harvard Ave · Structure no. 55C0416

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,700
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel is a concrete culvert carrying University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 75 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 27,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,278 by 2046. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUniversity Drive
CrossesSand Canyon Channel
Location250 West Harvard Ave
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates33.6576, -117.83986
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior 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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.3 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,700 (2018)
Projected traffic34,278 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is University Drive over Sand Canyon 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel carry?

About 27,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns University Drive over Sand Canyon Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.