US Bridges

Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek

Fair

San Diego County, California · 150 Ft S/O Market ST · Structure no. 57C0433

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,743
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5,743 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,970 by 2045. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMerlin Drive
CrossesEncanto Creek
Location150 Ft S/O Market ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.70955, -117.07112
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,743 (2023)
Projected traffic6,970 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merlin Drive over Encanto 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 Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek carry?

About 5,743 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Merlin Drive over Encanto Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.