US Bridges

Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR

Fair

Santa Cruz County, California · At Summer Ave · Structure no. 36C0114

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
83 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 72 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 12,000 by 2040. The structure is 83 ft (25.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRio Del Mar Blvd
CrossesUP RR
LocationAt Summer Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.97102, -121.89677
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 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
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length83 ft (25.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2013)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR 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 Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR?

The structure is 83 ft (25.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Rio Del Mar Blvd over UP RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.