US Bridges

Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct

Fair

San Francisco County, California · 04-SF-280-R6.61-SF · Structure no. 34 0100

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
11,001 ft
30 main spans
Daily traffic
68,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct in San Francisco County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 68,200 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 135,396 by 2045. The structure is 11,001 ft (3,353 m) long and 135 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 280
CrossesChina Basin Viaduct
Location04-SF-280-R6.61-SF
RouteInterstate 280
CountySan Francisco County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.76423, -122.39267
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans30 (+85 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length11,001 ft (3,353 m)
Longest span167 ft (50.9 m)
Deck width135 ft (41.3 m)
Roadway width132 ft (40.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68,200 (2019)
Projected traffic135,396 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 280 over China Basin Viaduct built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct carry?

About 68,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct?

The structure is 11,001 ft (3,353 m) long with a longest span of 167 ft (50.9 m) and a deck 135 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 280 over China Basin Viaduct?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.