US Bridges

Navajo Road over Piedra River

FairPosted for load

Archuleta County, Colorado · 0.3 Miles W of SH 151 · Structure no. ARF50-WO.1-S151

Built
1913
112 years old, rebuilt 1935
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
927
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Navajo Road over Piedra River is a steel truss - thru carrying Navajo Road over Piedra River in Archuleta County, Colorado. It was built in 1913 and reconstructed in 1935, so it is 112 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 927 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,094 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNavajo Road
CrossesPiedra River
Location0.3 Miles W of SH 151
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyArchuleta County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.07593, -107.40536
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating8.8 US tons
Inventory rating5.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span118 ft (36.1 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic927 (2022)
Projected traffic1,094 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Navajo Road over Piedra River built?

It was built in 1913, making it 112 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1935.

What condition is Navajo Road over Piedra 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Navajo Road over Piedra River carry?

About 927 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Navajo Road over Piedra River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (36.1 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Navajo Road over Piedra River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.