US Bridges

US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Chaffee County, Colorado · 2.0 MI NE of JCT US 285 · Structure no. I-12-B

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek in Chaffee County, Colorado. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 6,700 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,643 by 2040. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 24 Ml
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location2.0 MI NE of JCT US 285
RouteU.S. Route 24A
Coordinates38.8167, -106.07964
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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,700 (2020)
Projected traffic8,643 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 24 Ml over Big Sandy 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 6,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 24 Ml over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.