US Bridges

County Road 221 over South Arkansas River

FairPosted for load

Chaffee County, Colorado · .2 MI SW of CR 220 · Structure no. CHA221-04.07

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
77
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 221 over South Arkansas River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 221 over South Arkansas River in Chaffee County, Colorado. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 77 vehicles a day, projected to reach 94 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 221
CrossesSouth Arkansas River
Location.2 MI SW of CR 220
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChaffee County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.52763, -106.15357
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.6 US tons
Inventory rating19.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77 (2022)
Projected traffic94 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 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 221 over South Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 221 over South Arkansas 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 221 over South Arkansas River carry?

About 77 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 221 over South Arkansas River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 221 over South Arkansas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.