US Bridges

County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek

Good

Arapahoe County, Colorado · .2 MI South of US36 · Structure no. ARA 173-10.2A

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
237
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 237 vehicles a day, projected to reach 290 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty RD 173
CrossesBranch W. Bijou Creek
Location.2 MI South of US36
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyArapahoe County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.71354, -104.24689
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic237 (2021)
Projected traffic290 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek carry?

About 237 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 173 over Branch W. Bijou Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.