US Bridges

State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek

Good

Santa Clara County, California · 04-SCL-017-6.55-LGTS · Structure no. 37 0042

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
85 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
71,400
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 71,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 102,698 by 2046. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesState Route 17
CrossesLos Gatos Creek
Location04-SCL-017-6.55-LGTS
RouteState Highway 17
Coordinates37.22142, -121.98189
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71,400 (2017)
Projected traffic102,698 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 17 over Los Gatos 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek carry?

About 71,400 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns State Route 17 over Los Gatos Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.