US Bridges

38th ST over South Platte River

Fair

Denver County, Colorado · Just North of Arkins Ct · Structure no. D-02-PR-040A

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
266 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,173
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

38th ST over South Platte River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 38th ST over South Platte River in Denver County, Colorado. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 15,173 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,842 by 2041. The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Carries38th ST
CrossesSouth Platte River
LocationJust North of Arkins Ct
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates39.77583, -104.97808
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length266 ft (81.1 m)
Longest span128 ft (39 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,173 (2021)
Projected traffic16,842 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 38th ST over South Platte River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is 38th ST over South Platte 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 38th ST over South Platte River carry?

About 15,173 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 38th ST over South Platte River?

The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long with a longest span of 128 ft (39 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns 38th ST over South Platte River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.