US Bridges

State Route 126 over Sespe Creek

Fair

Ventura County, California · 07-VEN-126-19.26 · Structure no. 52 0183

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
721 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
37,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 126 over Sespe Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 126 over Sespe Creek in Ventura County, California. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 71 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 37,500 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,203 by 2041. The structure is 721 ft (219.9 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesState Route 126
CrossesSespe Creek
Location07-VEN-126-19.26
RouteState Highway 126
Coordinates34.39347, -118.95042
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadHS 20
Structure length721 ft (219.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.7 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,500 (2019)
Projected traffic48,203 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 126 over Sespe Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is State Route 126 over Sespe 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 126 over Sespe Creek carry?

About 37,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is State Route 126 over Sespe Creek?

The structure is 721 ft (219.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 126 over Sespe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.