US Bridges

CO RD 317 over Copper Creek

Fair

Gunnison County, Colorado · 7.2 MI N of Crested Butte · Structure no. GUN317-07.20

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
381
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 317 over Copper Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 317 over Copper Creek in Gunnison County, Colorado. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 381 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 442 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 317
CrossesCopper Creek
Location7.2 MI N of Crested Butte
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGunnison County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.95703, -106.98836
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic381 (2022)
Projected traffic442 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 CO RD 317 over Copper Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 317 over Copper 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 317 over Copper Creek carry?

About 381 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 317 over Copper Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 317 over Copper Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.