US Bridges

State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-078-12.13-SMCS · Structure no. 57 0387

Built
1994
31 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
156,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1994 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 31 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 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 156,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 218,607 by 2040. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 131 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesState Route 78
CrossesSan Marcos Blvd
Location11-SD-078-12.13-SMCS
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates33.13785, -117.17628
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span128 ft (39 m)
Deck width131 ft (40 m)
Roadway width128 ft (39 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic156,000 (2020)
Projected traffic218,607 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd carry?

About 156,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 128 ft (39 m) and a deck 131 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 78 over San Marcos Blvd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.