US Bridges

Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 0.2 MI S Michelson DR · Structure no. 55C0476

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel in Orange County, California. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,700 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHarvard Avenue
CrossesSan Joaquin Channel
Location0.2 MI S Michelson DR
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.66911, -117.83434
Functional classUrban Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.8 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2018)
Projected traffic21,700 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin 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 2022.

How much traffic does Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns Harvard Avenue over San Joaquin Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.