US Bridges

Refugio Road over Refugio Creek

Fair

Santa Barbara County, California · 0.3 MI N of SR 101 · Structure no. 51C0218

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
470
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Refugio Road over Refugio Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Refugio Road over Refugio Creek in Santa Barbara County, California. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 66 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 470 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,065 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRefugio Road
CrossesRefugio Creek
Location0.3 MI N of SR 101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Barbara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates34.46947, -120.06898
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic470 (2011)
Projected traffic1,065 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Refugio Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Refugio Road over Refugio 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 Refugio Road over Refugio Creek carry?

About 470 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Refugio Road over Refugio Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Refugio Road over Refugio Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.