US Bridges

Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek

Fair

Santa Barbara County, California · 0.1 MI S of SH 246 · Structure no. 51C0175

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 6 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,435 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAve of the Flags
CrossesZaca Creek
Location0.1 MI S of SH 246
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.61223, -120.19395
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2011)
Projected traffic4,435 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ave of the Flags over Zaca 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Ave of the Flags over Zaca Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.