US Bridges

168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Adams County, Colorado · 2.5 MI E of Washington ST · Structure no. THN-168CLD-BDC

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,444
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek in Adams County, Colorado. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,444 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,077 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries168th Avenue
CrossesBig Dry Creek
Location2.5 MI E of Washington ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAdams County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.00033, -104.93034
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,444 (2021)
Projected traffic7,077 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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Big Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is 168th Avenue over Big Dry 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does 168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek carry?

About 5,444 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is 168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns 168th Avenue over Big Dry Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.