US Bridges

County Road 252 over Animas River

Fair

La Plata County, Colorado · .3 MI SE of SH 550 · Structure no. 067025200.2021A

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
137 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,734
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 252 over Animas River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 252 over Animas River in La Plata County, Colorado. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 1,734 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,046 by 2042. The structure is 137 ft (41.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 252
CrossesAnimas River
Location.3 MI SE of SH 550
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLa Plata County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.38525, -107.83696
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.2 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length137 ft (41.7 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,734 (2022)
Projected traffic2,046 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 County Road 252 over Animas River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 252 over Animas River 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 County Road 252 over Animas River carry?

About 1,734 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 252 over Animas River?

The structure is 137 ft (41.7 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 252 over Animas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.