US Bridges

Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek

Fair

Santa Barbara County, California · 2.8 MI E SR 154 · Structure no. 51C0075

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
873
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 873 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,092 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHappy Canyon Road
CrossesSanta Aqueda Creek
Location2.8 MI E SR 154
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.62021, -120.02187
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic873 (2014)
Projected traffic1,092 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek carry?

About 873 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Happy Canyon Road over Santa Aqueda Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.