US Bridges

US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch

Fair

Larimer County, Colorado · 3.7 MI West of Loveland · Structure no. C-16-AH

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 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 4,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,684 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34 Ml
CrossesHandy Ditch
Location3.7 MI West of Loveland
RouteU.S. Route 34A
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.4111, -105.207
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.3 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,900 (2020)
Projected traffic5,684 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$51,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch carry?

About 4,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 Ml over Handy Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.