US Bridges

Central Avenue over Sweetwater River

Fair

San Diego County, California · 250FT E/O Sweetwater RD · Structure no. 57C0701

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,421
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Avenue over Sweetwater River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Central Avenue over Sweetwater River in San Diego County, California. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 18,421 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,000 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (23 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Avenue
CrossesSweetwater River
Location250FT E/O Sweetwater RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySan Diego County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates32.6683, -117.02422
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length75 ft (23 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.1 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,421 (2016)
Projected traffic19,000 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Avenue over Sweetwater River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Central Avenue 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does Central Avenue over Sweetwater River carry?

About 18,421 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Central Avenue over Sweetwater River?

The structure is 75 ft (23 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.1 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Central Avenue over Sweetwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.