US Bridges

Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch

Fair

Marin County, California · 4.4 MI E of SR 1 · Structure no. 27C0041

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,000
1975 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch is a concrete arch - deck carrying Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch in Marin County, California. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 105 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,998 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSir-Francis Drake
CrossesDevils Gulch
Location4.4 MI E of SR 1
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMarin County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.02941, -122.73629
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (1975)
Projected traffic5,998 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch 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 Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (1975 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m).

Who owns Sir-Francis Drake over Devils Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.