US Bridges

State Route 79 over Matagual Creek

Good

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-079-29.47 · Structure no. 57 0062

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
69 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,850
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 79 over Matagual Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 79 over Matagual Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 2,850 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,130 by 2045. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

CarriesState Route 79
CrossesMatagual Creek
Location11-SD-079-29.47
RouteState Highway 79
Coordinates33.2276, -116.70106
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,850 (2020)
Projected traffic5,130 by 2045
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 State Route 79 over Matagual Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 79 over Matagual Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 79 over Matagual Creek carry?

About 2,850 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is State Route 79 over Matagual Creek?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 79 over Matagual Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.