US Bridges

State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek

Good

Santa Clara County, California · 04-SCL-237-T9.85-MPS · Structure no. 37 0379

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
73,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 63 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 73,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 187,741 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 120 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesState Route 237
CrossesPenitencia Creek
Location04-SCL-237-T9.85-MPS
RouteState Highway 237
Coordinates37.42986, -121.90917
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width120 ft (36.5 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73,000 (2009)
Projected traffic187,741 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 237 over Penitencia Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is State Route 237 over Penitencia 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek carry?

About 73,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 120 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 237 over Penitencia Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.