55th Street over Empson Ditch
FairBoulder County, Colorado · 250 Ft N of Penn. Ave. · Structure no. BOLD-08-0.49-1A
- Built
- 1996
- 29 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected February 2025
- Type
- Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 49 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 9,146
- 2023 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
55th Street over Empson Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying 55th Street over Empson Ditch in Boulder County, Colorado. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 9,146 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,976 by 2043. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was 55th Street over Empson Ditch built?
It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.
What condition is 55th Street over Empson Ditch 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 February 2025.
How much traffic does 55th Street over Empson Ditch carry?
About 9,146 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.
How long is 55th Street over Empson Ditch?
The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.
Who owns 55th Street over Empson Ditch?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.