US Bridges

Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River

Fair

Larimer County, Colorado · 0.2 MI N of US HWY 34 · Structure no. LRB4-1125BTC

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 27 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 34 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCedar Cove Road
CrossesBig Thompson River
Location0.2 MI N of US HWY 34
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.41702, -105.26752
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating18.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27 (2023)
Projected traffic34 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$102,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cedar Cove Road 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 Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River carry?

About 27 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Cedar Cove Road over Big Thompson River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.