US Bridges

Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon Channel

Fair

Orange County, California · 100 S/O University Drive · Structure no. 55C0668

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,800
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon Channel is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon 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 14,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,000 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 115 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHarvard Avenue
CrossesSand Canyon Channel
Location100 S/O University Drive
RouteCity Street 0
CountyOrange County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.6572, -117.8386
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 protection9 ExcellentNo 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width115 ft (35 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,800 (2018)
Projected traffic20,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
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 Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon Channel built?

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

What condition is Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon 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 Sand Canyon Channel carry?

About 14,800 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon Channel?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 115 ft wide.

Who owns Harvard Avenue over Sand Canyon Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.