US Bridges

Ward Road over Chollas Creek

Fair

San Diego County, California · Between Gates #2 and #3 · Structure no. 1CA0482

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
196 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2015 count
Owner
Federal
Navy / Marines

About this bridge

Ward Road over Chollas Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ward Road over Chollas Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2042. The structure is 196 ft (59.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesWard Road
CrossesChollas Creek
LocationBetween Gates #2 and #3
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.68762, -117.12868
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length196 ft (59.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2015)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNavy / Marines
Maintained byNavy / Marines
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$109,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ward Road over Chollas Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ward Road over Chollas Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Ward Road over Chollas Creek carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ward Road over Chollas Creek?

The structure is 196 ft (59.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ward Road over Chollas Creek?

It is owned by the Navy / Marines.