US Bridges

Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-005-R23.49-SD · Structure no. 57 0288

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
187 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
160,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 71 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 160,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 216,211 by 2047. The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long and 175 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5
CrossesBalboa Ave
Location11-SD-005-R23.49-SD
RouteInterstate 5
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.80662, -117.21541
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length187 ft (57 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width175 ft (53.2 m)
Roadway width158 ft (48.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160,000 (2020)
Projected traffic216,211 by 2047
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave 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 2025.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave carry?

About 160,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave?

The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 175 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 over Balboa Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.