US Bridges

Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · Oconnell and Chiles Ave. · Structure no. T85140

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2015 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesOconnell Blvd.
CrossesI Ditch
LocationOconnell and Chiles Ave.
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.7488, -104.8013
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2015)
Projected traffic700 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oconnell Blvd. over I 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 Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch carry?

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

How long is Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Oconnell Blvd. over I Ditch?

It is owned by the Army.