US Bridges

County Road 43H over Little Thompson River

FairPosted for load

Larimer County, Colorado · 0.1 MI N of CO RD 45B · Structure no. LR43H-0.1-45B

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
88 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
97
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 43H over Little Thompson River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 43H over Little Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 97 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 121 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 43H
CrossesLittle Thompson River
Location0.1 MI N of CO RD 45B
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.28292, -105.35367
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating11.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic97 (2023)
Projected traffic121 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$151,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 43H over Little Thompson River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is County Road 43H over Little 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 43H over Little Thompson River carry?

About 97 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is County Road 43H over Little Thompson River?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 43H over Little Thompson River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.