US Bridges

Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-005-R56.43R-OCN · Structure no. 57 0007R

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
500 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
132,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older 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 5 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 132,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 205,054 by 2041. The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5
CrossesSanta Margarita River
Location11-SD-005-R56.43R-OCN
RouteInterstate 5
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.23528, -117.40464
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating81.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length500 ft (152.4 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132,000 (2020)
Projected traffic205,054 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River carry?

About 132,000 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River?

The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 over Santa Margarita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.