US Bridges

US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek

Fair

Baca County, Colorado · 9.7 MI N. of Springfield · Structure no. N-26-Q

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
123 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek in Baca County, Colorado. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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.

It carries about 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 55% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,720 by 2040. The structure is 123 ft (37.6 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

CarriesUS 287 Ml
CrossesTrib Horse Creek
Location9.7 MI N. of Springfield
RouteU.S. Route 287A
Coordinates37.54719, -102.62028
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length123 ft (37.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2020)
Projected traffic3,720 by 2040
Trucks55%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 287 Ml over Trib Horse 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 55% are trucks.

How long is US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 Ml over Trib Horse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.