US Bridges

Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek

Fair

Santa Clara County, California · Btwn Berysa Rd-Mabury RD · Structure no. 37C0521

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2021
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
130 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
1976 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,783 by 2043. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 127 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCapitol Ave
CrossesPenitencia Creek
LocationBtwn Berysa Rd-Mabury RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountySanta Clara County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.3823, -121.85554
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.3 m)
Deck width127 ft (38.6 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (1976)
Projected traffic15,783 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and railroad
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Capitol Ave over Penitencia 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 March 2021.

How much traffic does Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (1976 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.3 m) and a deck 127 ft wide.

Who owns Capitol Ave over Penitencia Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.