US Bridges

State Route 9 over Kings Creek

Poor

Santa Cruz County, California · 05-SCR-009-15.49 · Structure no. 36 0054

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
88 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 9 over Kings Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying State Route 9 over Kings Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 5,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,145 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 9
CrossesKings Creek
Location05-SCR-009-15.49
RouteState Highway 9
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.15637, -122.13373
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2009)
Projected traffic2,145 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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$880,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 9 over Kings Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 9 over Kings 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 9 over Kings Creek carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 9 over Kings Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 9 over Kings Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.