US Bridges

Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · 1.5 MI N Judge Orr Road · Structure no. EPC0091-01.50

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,273
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 1,273 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,668 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesElbert Road
CrossesBlack Squirrel Creek
Location1.5 MI N Judge Orr Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.97571, -104.53416
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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
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 rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,273 (2020)
Projected traffic1,668 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elbert Road over Black Squirrel 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek carry?

About 1,273 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Elbert Road over Black Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.