US Bridges

State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River

Fair

Santa Barbara County, California · 05-SB-246-9.82 · Structure no. 51 0128

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
447 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 8,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 28,365 by 2043. The structure is 447 ft (136.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 246
CrossesSanta Ynez River
Location05-SB-246-9.82
RouteState Highway 246
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.64348, -120.43201
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length447 ft (136.2 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2009)
Projected traffic28,365 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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 State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River?

The structure is 447 ft (136.2 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 246 over Santa Ynez River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.