US Bridges

County Road 346 over Cucharas River

Fair

Huerfano County, Colorado · 1.4 MI South of US 160 · Structure no. HU346-S14-S160A

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
49
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 346 over Cucharas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 346 over Cucharas River in Huerfano County, Colorado. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 58 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 346
CrossesCucharas River
Location1.4 MI South of US 160
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuerfano County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.58252, -104.85991
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2022)
Projected traffic58 by 2042
Trucks0%
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 County Road 346 over Cucharas River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 346 over Cucharas River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 346 over Cucharas River carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 346 over Cucharas River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 346 over Cucharas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.