US Bridges

State Route 236 over Boulder Creek

Poor

Santa Cruz County, California · 05-SCR-236-4.27 · Structure no. 36 0006

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,200
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 236 over Boulder Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying State Route 236 over Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 1,200 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,443 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 236
CrossesBoulder Creek
Location05-SCR-236-4.27
RouteState Highway 236
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.16633, -122.16487
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2017)
Projected traffic1,443 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$212,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 236 over Boulder Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 236 over Boulder Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 236 over Boulder Creek carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is State Route 236 over Boulder Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 236 over Boulder Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.