US Bridges

Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib.

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · 4.1 MI N of Calhan · Structure no. EPC0129-14.90

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,879
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib. in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 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 2,879 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,772 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCalhan Highway
CrossesBig Sandy Creek Trib.
Location4.1 MI N of Calhan
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.09681, -104.29291
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,879 (2020)
Projected traffic3,772 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib. built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib. 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 Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib. carry?

About 2,879 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib.?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Calhan Highway over Big Sandy Creek Trib.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.