US Bridges

Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-005-9.41-NATC · Structure no. 57 0794R

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
418 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
89,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 89,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 132,000 by 2040. The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5 NB
CrossesSweetwater River
Location11-SD-005-9.41-NATC
RouteInterstate 5
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.65043, -117.1036
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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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 typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length418 ft (127.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.6 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic89,000 (2020)
Projected traffic132,000 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
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 5 NB over Sweetwater River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River carry?

About 89,000 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River?

The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 NB over Sweetwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.