US Bridges

State Route 217 over San Jose Creek

Poor

Santa Barbara County, California · 05-SB-217-1.02-SB · Structure no. 51 0217

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
192 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
12,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 217 over San Jose Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 217 over San Jose Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,339 by 2043. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesState Route 217
CrossesSan Jose Creek
Location05-SB-217-1.02-SB
RouteState Highway 217
Coordinates34.42052, -119.82989
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2009)
Projected traffic20,339 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 217 over San Jose Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 217 over San Jose Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does State Route 217 over San Jose Creek carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is State Route 217 over San Jose Creek?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 217 over San Jose Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.