US Bridges

Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek

Fair

San Joaquin County, California · 10-SJ-005-34.26 · Structure no. 29 0177L

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
218 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
38,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek in San Joaquin County, California. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 38,500 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 79,631 by 2045. The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 5 SB
CrossesBear Creek
Location10-SJ-005-34.26
RouteInterstate 5
CountySan Joaquin County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.04302, -121.36811
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length218 ft (66.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,500 (2009)
Projected traffic79,631 by 2045
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure3
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 5 SB over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 5 SB over Bear 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek carry?

About 38,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek?

The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 5 SB over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.