US Bridges

San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101

Fair

Santa Clara County, California · 04-SCL-101-41.98-SCL · Structure no. 37 0166

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
286 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
87,360
2001 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 64 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 6 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 87,360 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 112,566 by 2043. The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long and 128 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSan Tomas Expwy
CrossesU.S. Highway 101
Location04-SCL-101-41.98-SCL
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates37.3816, -121.96392
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length286 ft (87.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width128 ft (38.9 m)
Roadway width107 ft (32.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic87,360 (2001)
Projected traffic112,566 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101 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 2025.

How much traffic does San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101 carry?

About 87,360 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101?

The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 128 ft wide.

Who owns San Tomas Expwy over U.S. Highway 101?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.