US Bridges

Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · Adjcnt to Bridge 85092 · Structure no. DAPFORCAR000C15

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2015 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNelson Blvd
CrossesDrainage Ditch
LocationAdjcnt to Bridge 85092
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.75286, -104.77916
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2015)
Projected traffic800 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$42,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Nelson Blvd over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the Army.