US Bridges

San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave

Poor

Santa Clara County, California · At Winchester Blvd · Structure no. 37C0083K

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
490 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,285 by 2042. The structure is 490 ft (149.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSan Tomas Expwy
CrossesUP RR Dell Ave
LocationAt Winchester Blvd
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Clara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.27235, -121.95363
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length490 ft (149.5 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2015)
Projected traffic7,285 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave?

The structure is 490 ft (149.5 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns San Tomas Expwy over UP RR Dell Ave?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.