US Bridges

Soquel DR over Aptos Creek

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · At Spreckles DR · Structure no. 36C0075

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
249 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,600
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Soquel DR over Aptos Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Soquel DR over Aptos Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 14,600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,915 by 2041. The structure is 249 ft (76 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSoquel DR
CrossesAptos Creek
LocationAt Spreckles DR
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.97624, -121.90404
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length249 ft (76 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,600 (2016)
Projected traffic15,915 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 Aptos Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Soquel DR over Aptos 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Soquel DR over Aptos Creek carry?

About 14,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Soquel DR over Aptos Creek?

The structure is 249 ft (76 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Soquel DR over Aptos Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.