US Bridges

Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek

Fair

San Diego County, California · 0.3MI S/O Vista Way · Structure no. 57C0135

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 1933
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
19,173
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 1933, so it is 111 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 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 19,173 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,470 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCarlsbad Blvd
CrossesBuena Vista Creek
Location0.3MI S/O Vista Way
RouteCity Street 0
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates33.16817, -117.35617
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,173 (2016)
Projected traffic30,470 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1933.

What condition is Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek carry?

About 19,173 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Carlsbad Blvd over Buena Vista Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.