US Bridges

Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough

Poor

Santa Cruz County, California · 30 S Larkin Valley RD · Structure no. 36C0139

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,000
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough in Santa Cruz County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,500 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBuena Vista Drive
CrossesHarkins Slough
Location30 S Larkin Valley RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.93759, -121.80793
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2016)
Projected traffic8,500 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$97,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Buena Vista Drive over Harkins Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.