US Bridges

County Road 521 over Beaver Creek

Fair

La Plata County, Colorado · 4.4 MI S. of Bayfield · Structure no. 67052104.4055

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,349
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 521 over Beaver Creek is a steel culvert carrying County Road 521 over Beaver Creek in La Plata County, Colorado. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 1,349 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,592 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 521
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location4.4 MI S. of Bayfield
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLa Plata County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.17123, -107.5743
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,349 (2022)
Projected traffic1,592 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 521 over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 521 over Beaver 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 521 over Beaver Creek carry?

About 1,349 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is County Road 521 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 521 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.