US Bridges

County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek

Fair

La Plata County, Colorado · 0.5 MI E of N Vallecito · Structure no. 67050118.80008

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
640
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek in La Plata County, Colorado. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 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 640 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 755 by 2042. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 501
CrossesVallecito Creek
Location0.5 MI E of N Vallecito
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLa Plata County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.44241, -107.54724
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic640 (2022)
Projected traffic755 by 2042
Trucks5%
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 County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 501 over Vallecito 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 County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek carry?

About 640 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 501 over Vallecito Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.