US Bridges

Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River

Fair

Larimer County, Colorado · 0.2 MI N of 1st Street · Structure no. LOV0390NTAFTAVE

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
121 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21,217
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 21,217 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,522 by 2043. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTaft Hill RD(CR17)
CrossesBig Thompson River
Location0.2 MI N of 1st Street
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.39525, -105.09694
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.7 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,217 (2023)
Projected traffic26,522 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River carry?

About 21,217 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns Taft Hill RD(CR17) over Big Thompson River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.