US Bridges

State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon

Good

Santa Barbara County, California · 05-SB-033-7.05 · Structure no. 51 0145

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
455
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 72 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 455 vehicles a day, projected to reach 465 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.2 mi (129 km).

CarriesState Route 33
CrossesBallinger Canyon
Location05-SB-033-7.05
RouteState Highway 33
Coordinates34.88231, -119.49839
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic455 (2009)
Projected traffic465 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.2 mi (129 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 33 over Ballinger Canyon built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon carry?

About 455 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 33 over Ballinger Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.