US Bridges

I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-005-R10.01-NATC · Structure no. 57 0483

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
154,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 60 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 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 154,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 234,932 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 262 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-5 & Ramps
CrossesParadise Creek
Location11-SD-005-R10.01-NATC
RouteInterstate 5
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.65954, -117.10732
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width262 ft (80 m)
Roadway width225 ft (68.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic154,000 (2020)
Projected traffic234,932 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure14
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is I-5 & Ramps over Paradise 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek carry?

About 154,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 262 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 & Ramps over Paradise Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.