US Bridges

Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · 0.7 MI W Porter ST · Structure no. 36C0042

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
240 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,900
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1969, 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 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 18,900 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,281 by 2041. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSoquel DR
CrossesRodeo Gulch
Location0.7 MI W Porter ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.9877, -121.97058
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,900 (2016)
Projected traffic19,281 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch carry?

About 18,900 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Soquel DR over Rodeo Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.