US Bridges

Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek

Good

Santa Barbara County, California · 3.2 MI E of Armour Ranch · Structure no. 51C0189

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
74 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
873
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 873 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 547 by 2042. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHappy Canyon RD
CrossesHappy Canyon Creek
Location3.2 MI E of Armour Ranch
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.62323, -119.98644
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic873 (2014)
Projected traffic547 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 RD over Happy Canyon Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek carry?

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

How long is Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Happy Canyon RD over Happy Canyon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.