US Bridges

72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek

Fair

Adams County, Colorado · 1.1 MI E of Winview Road · Structure no. ADA072-071.1183

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek in Adams County, Colorado. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries72nd Avenue
CrossesWetzel Creek
Location1.1 MI E of Winview Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.82825, -103.72296
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2021)
Projected traffic7 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is 72nd Avenue over Wetzel 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is 72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 72nd Avenue over Wetzel Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.