US Bridges

Shady Lane over Bear Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · In Idledale · Structure no. D-19-30A

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
117
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shady Lane over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shady Lane over Bear Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 117 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 134 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

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CarriesShady Lane
CrossesBear Creek
LocationIn Idledale
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.66227, -105.24082
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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic117 (2021)
Projected traffic134 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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 Shady Lane over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shady Lane over Bear 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 Shady Lane over Bear Creek carry?

About 117 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Shady Lane over Bear Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Shady Lane over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.