US Bridges

County Road 17 over Bear Creek

Poor

Baca County, Colorado · 1.2 MI N of CR Ff · Structure no. BA18-18-28.3-4

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 17 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 17 over Bear Creek in Baca 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 4 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2042. The structure is 71 ft (21.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 17
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.2 MI N of CR Ff
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBaca County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.43078, -102.76516
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.5 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length71 ft (21.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 17 over Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road 17 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 17 over Bear Creek carry?

About 4 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 17 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 17 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.