US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel

Good

San Mateo County, California · 04-SM-101-R20.63 · Structure no. 35 0280

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
73 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
188,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel is a concrete continuous culvert carrying U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel in San Mateo County, California. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 188,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 262,591 by 2040. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long.

CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesNorth Channel
Location04-SM-101-R20.63
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates37.63543, -122.40324
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic188,000 (2009)
Projected traffic262,591 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure14
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel carry?

About 188,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over North Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.