US Bridges

Union Avenue over Bear Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · Denver Mt Park Office · Structure no. D-27-MP-030A

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
78
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Avenue over Bear Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Union Avenue over Bear Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 78 vehicles a day, projected to reach 86 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion Avenue
CrossesBear Creek
LocationDenver Mt Park Office
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.6529, -105.20029
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating84.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78 (2021)
Projected traffic86 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Union Avenue over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Avenue 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Union Avenue over Bear Creek carry?

About 78 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Union Avenue over Bear Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Union Avenue over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.