US Bridges

Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek

FairPosted for load

Arapahoe County, Colorado · 0.3 MI E of Tower RD · Structure no. AUR11.5-N.5

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,360
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek is a steel culvert carrying Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6 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 1,360 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,659 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLouisiana Avenue
CrossesSide Creek
Location0.3 MI E of Tower RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyArapahoe County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.69277, -104.76786
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.6 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.6 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,360 (2021)
Projected traffic1,659 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Louisiana Avenue over Side 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek carry?

About 1,360 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.6 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns Louisiana Avenue over Side Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.