US Bridges

County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek

PoorPosted for load

Las Animas County, Colorado · 3 MI E of CR 113 · Structure no. LA4.4-59-2-95

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek 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 6 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2042. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 4.4
CrossesTrinchera Creek
Location3 MI E of CR 113
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLas Animas County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.01929, -104.08467
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating28.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6 (2022)
Projected traffic8 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$886,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek built?

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

What condition is County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek 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 4.4 over Trinchera Creek carry?

About 6 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 4.4 over Trinchera Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.