US Bridges

Return Road over Platte Avenue

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · 0.3 MI E of Nevada Avenue · Structure no. CSG-G.95-08.86

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,596
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Return Road over Platte Avenue is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Return Road over Platte Avenue in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 16,596 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,741 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesReturn Road
CrossesPlatte Avenue
Location0.3 MI E of Nevada Avenue
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.83774, -104.81321
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.3 m)
Longest span46 ft (13.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,596 (2021)
Projected traffic21,741 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$207,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Return Road over Platte Avenue built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Return Road over Platte Avenue 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 2024.

How much traffic does Return Road over Platte Avenue carry?

About 16,596 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Return Road over Platte Avenue?

The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (13.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Return Road over Platte Avenue?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.