US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek

Good

Santa Barbara County, California · 05-SB-101-R57.41 · Structure no. 51 0016

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older 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 21,000 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,425 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesZaca Creek
Location05-SB-101-R57.41
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates34.61631, -120.18915
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,000 (2009)
Projected traffic35,425 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek carry?

About 21,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over Zaca Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.