US Bridges

NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · 4.4 MI from CR 126 · Structure no. 021211000001028

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2000 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12 by 2020. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 543
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4.4 MI from CR 126
RouteFederal Lands Road 543
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.36043, -105.31375
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2000)
Projected traffic12 by 2020
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 543 over Buffalo 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 543 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and maintained by the County Highway Agency.