US Bridges

County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River

Fair

Las Animas County, Colorado · 0.1 MI S SH 12 · Structure no. LA18.3-28-9-36A

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
260 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
243
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River in Las Animas County, Colorado. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 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 243 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 299 by 2042. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 18.3
CrossesPurgatoire River
Location0.1 MI S SH 12
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLas Animas County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.12916, -104.6396
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating101.6 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic243 (2022)
Projected traffic299 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire 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 County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River carry?

About 243 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 18.3 over Purgatoire River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.