US Bridges

County Road 540 over Huerfano River

Fair

Huerfano County, Colorado · 0.1 MI S of SH 69 · Structure no. HU540-S0.2-S69A

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 540 over Huerfano River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 540 over Huerfano River in Huerfano 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 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 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 88 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 540
CrossesHuerfano River
Location0.1 MI S of SH 69
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuerfano County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.74637, -105.07564
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.6 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 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 (18 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2022)
Projected traffic88 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 540 over Huerfano River built?

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

What condition is County Road 540 over Huerfano 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 540 over Huerfano River carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 540 over Huerfano River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 540 over Huerfano River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.