US Bridges

Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River

Good

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-008-R36.50 · Structure no. 57 0688R

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
630 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,050
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 11,050 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,953 by 2044. The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesInterstate 8 EB
CrossesSweetwater River
Location11-SD-008-R36.50
RouteInterstate 8
Coordinates32.83676, -116.64446
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length630 ft (192 m)
Longest span241 ft (73.5 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,050 (2014)
Projected traffic20,953 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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 Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River carry?

About 11,050 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River?

The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long with a longest span of 241 ft (73.5 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 8 EB over Sweetwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.