US Bridges

South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek

Fair

San Mateo County, California · Spruce Ave · Structure no. 35C0126

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
67 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,381
2010 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek in San Mateo County, California. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 70 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 6 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 1,381 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,091 by 2041. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSouth Canal Street
CrossesBranch of Colma Creek
LocationSpruce Ave
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates37.65128, -122.41755
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,381 (2010)
Projected traffic1,091 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is South Canal Street over Branch of Colma 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek carry?

About 1,381 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns South Canal Street over Branch of Colma Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.