US Bridges

Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · 4.3 MI NE of SR 9 · Structure no. 36C0059

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,810 by 2042. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBear Creek RD
CrossesBear Creek
Location4.3 MI NE of SR 9
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.16448, -122.07591
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2015)
Projected traffic4,810 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bear Creek RD over Bear 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bear Creek RD over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.