US Bridges

Handle Road over Spring Creek

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · 2.25 MI E of Ellicott HWY · Structure no. EPC0450-03.18A

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
53
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Handle Road over Spring Creek is a steel culvert carrying Handle Road over Spring Creek in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 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 53 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesHandle Road
CrossesSpring Creek
Location2.25 MI E of Ellicott HWY
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates38.82416, -104.34583
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.2 US tons
Inventory rating51.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53 (2021)
Projected traffic70 by 2041
Trucks4%
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 Handle Road over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Handle Road over Spring 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 Handle Road over Spring Creek carry?

About 53 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Handle Road over Spring Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Handle Road over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.