US Bridges

Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek

Fair

Santa Clara County, California · West of SH 17 · Structure no. 37C0286

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
149 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40,000
2008 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 40,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 53,798 by 2042. The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLark Ave
CrossesLos Gatos Creek
LocationWest of SH 17
RouteCity Street 0
CountySanta Clara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.25207, -121.9649
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating67.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length149 ft (45.3 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.4 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.3 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,000 (2008)
Projected traffic53,798 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek carry?

About 40,000 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek?

The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.4 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Lark Ave over Los Gatos Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.