US Bridges

Market ST over Branciforte Creek

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · 0.6 MI N Water ST · Structure no. 36C0088

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
112 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Market ST over Branciforte Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Market ST over Branciforte Creek in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 10,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,954 by 2041. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMarket ST
CrossesBranciforte Creek
Location0.6 MI N Water ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.98601, -122.01447
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2015)
Projected traffic20,954 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Market ST over Branciforte Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Market ST over Branciforte 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 Market ST over Branciforte Creek carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Market ST over Branciforte Creek?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Market ST over Branciforte Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.