US Bridges

State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · 05-SCR-009-13.61 · Structure no. 36 0052

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,100
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 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 12,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,802 by 2042. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesState Route 9
CrossesSan Lorenzo River
Location05-SCR-009-13.61
RouteState Highway 9
Coordinates37.13298, -122.12534
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,100 (2017)
Projected traffic8,802 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River carry?

About 12,100 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 9 over San Lorenzo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.