US Bridges

County Road 24 over Arkansas River

PoorPosted for load

Bent County, Colorado · 18 MI W Lamar Co. · Structure no. CEPSWACO-000002

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
1,192 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
173
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

County Road 24 over Arkansas River is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying County Road 24 over Arkansas River in Bent County, Colorado. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 173 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2041. The structure is 1,192 ft (363.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.7 mi (88 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 24
CrossesArkansas River
Location18 MI W Lamar Co.
CountyBent County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.06707, -102.93677
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.3 US tons
Inventory rating9.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,192 ft (363.2 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic173 (2023)
Projected traffic180 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed54.7 mi (88 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 24 over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 24 over Arkansas River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 24 over Arkansas River carry?

About 173 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is County Road 24 over Arkansas River?

The structure is 1,192 ft (363.2 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 24 over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).