US Bridges

State Route 1 over Waddell Creek

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · 05-SCR-001-36.30 · Structure no. 36 0065

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
181 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,800
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 1 over Waddell Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 1 over Waddell Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 5 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 4,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,683 by 2045. The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 1
CrossesWaddell Creek
Location05-SCR-001-36.30
RouteState Highway 1
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.09622, -122.27782
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length181 ft (55.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2017)
Projected traffic7,683 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 1 over Waddell Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 1 over Waddell 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 1 over Waddell Creek carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is State Route 1 over Waddell Creek?

The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 1 over Waddell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.