US Bridges

168th Avenue over South Platte River

Fair

Adams County, Colorado · .3 MI W of HWY 85 · Structure no. ADA168-12.05070

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
245 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,537
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

168th Avenue over South Platte River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 168th Avenue over South Platte River in Adams County, Colorado. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 5,537 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,198 by 2041. The structure is 245 ft (74.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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Carries168th Avenue
CrossesSouth Platte River
Location.3 MI W of HWY 85
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.00035, -104.82771
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,537 (2021)
Projected traffic7,198 by 2041
Trucks9%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 168th Avenue over South Platte River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is 168th Avenue over South Platte River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 168th Avenue over South Platte River carry?

About 5,537 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is 168th Avenue over South Platte River?

The structure is 245 ft (74.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns 168th Avenue over South Platte River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.