US Bridges

Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek

Good

Santa Clara County, California · Near Abel ST · Structure no. 37C0763

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
433
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek in Santa Clara County, California. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 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 433 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 520 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSylvia DR
CrossesPenitencia Creek
LocationNear Abel ST
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates37.42398, -121.90737
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic433 (2011)
Projected traffic520 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
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 Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Sylvia DR 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek carry?

About 433 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Sylvia DR over Penitencia Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.