US Bridges

County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek

Fair

Las Animas County, Colorado · .1 MI N of CR 69.0 · Structure no. LA18.3-35-9-46

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
643
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek in Las Animas County, Colorado. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 643 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 791 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 18.3
CrossesRaton Creek
Location.1 MI N of CR 69.0
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLas Animas County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.12658, -104.52345
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic643 (2022)
Projected traffic791 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$294,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek 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 Raton Creek carry?

About 643 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 18.3 over Raton Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.