US Bridges

Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek

Poor

Jefferson County, Colorado · Soda Lakes RD S Ofsh 8 · Structure no. F-18-68

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
291
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 291 vehicles a day, projected to reach 335 by 2041. The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSoda Lakes Road
CrossesBear Creek
LocationSoda Lakes RD S Ofsh 8
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.65133, -105.1841
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic291 (2021)
Projected traffic335 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2025.

How much traffic does Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek carry?

About 291 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Soda Lakes Road over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.