US Bridges

US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way

Poor

San Luis Obispo County, California · 05-SLO-101-45.96-ATAS · Structure no. 49 0152L

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way in San Luis Obispo County, California. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 69 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 30,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39,089 by 2043. The structure is 131 ft (40 m) long and 41 ft wide.

CarriesUS Highway 101 SB
CrossesTraffic Way
Location05-SLO-101-45.96-ATAS
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates35.48841, -120.67074
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length131 ft (40 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,000 (2009)
Projected traffic39,089 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$840,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way carry?

About 30,000 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way?

The structure is 131 ft (40 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 101 SB over Traffic Way?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.