US Bridges

County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek

Fair

Elbert County, Colorado · 5.3 Miles E of Road 125 · Structure no. ELBT-162-5.3-02

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
105
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek in Elbert County, Colorado. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 132 by 2040. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 162
CrossesEast Bijou Creek
Location5.3 Miles E of Road 125
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElbert County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.44664, -103.96783
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2020)
Projected traffic132 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$996,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 162 over East Bijou 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 County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 162 over East Bijou Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.