US Bridges

Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River

Good

Santa Barbara County, California · 1.52 MI S SR 246 · Structure no. 51C0217

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
800 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,303
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,303 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 655 by 2042. The structure is 800 ft (243.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRefugio Road
CrossesSanta Ynez River
Location1.52 MI S SR 246
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.58447, -120.10062
Functional classRural Local

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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.7 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length800 ft (243.8 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,303 (2009)
Projected traffic655 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 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 Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River 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 Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River carry?

About 1,303 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River?

The structure is 800 ft (243.8 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Refugio Road over Santa Ynez River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.