US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River

Fair

Santa Clara County, California · 04-SCL-101-0.03 · Structure no. 37 0007

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
340 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
52,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 52,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 132,626 by 2046. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesPajaro River
Location04-SCL-101-0.03
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates36.91703, -121.54811
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52,000 (2009)
Projected traffic132,626 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River carry?

About 52,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over Pajaro River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.