US Bridges

Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek

Fair

San Diego County, California · 11-SD-015-R52.49 · Structure no. 57 0937R

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
206 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
72,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 72,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 144,000 by 2045. The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 15 NB
CrossesRainbow Creek
Location11-SD-015-R52.49
RouteInterstate 15
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.4119, -117.16058
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length206 ft (62.8 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72,000 (2020)
Projected traffic144,000 by 2045
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
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 15 NB over Rainbow Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek carry?

About 72,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek?

The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 15 NB over Rainbow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.