US Bridges

Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · Btwn Iris and Brooks · Structure no. ARVA-RR-0.20-01

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,736
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 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 2,736 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,147 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesRensselaer Drive
CrossesRalston Creek
LocationBtwn Iris and Brooks
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.81126, -105.10835
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,736 (2021)
Projected traffic3,147 by 2041
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rensselaer Drive over Ralston 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek carry?

About 2,736 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Rensselaer Drive over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.