US Bridges

County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River

PoorPosted for load

Las Animas County, Colorado · 1.6 MI N of SH 160 · Structure no. LA32-52-16-86

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River is a concrete culvert carrying County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River in Las Animas County, Colorado. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 32.0
CrossesPurgatoire River
Location1.6 MI N of SH 160
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLas Animas County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.21754, -104.20846
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating24 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic6 by 2042
Trucks0%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$263,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 32.0 over Purgatoire River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.