US Bridges

County Road 43 over Hell Creek

Fair

Lincoln County, Colorado · 0.2 Mile South of Road 3T · Structure no. LIN-43-3S.8A

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
152 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 43 over Hell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 43 over Hell Creek in Lincoln County, Colorado. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 67 vehicles a day, projected to reach 85 by 2040. The structure is 152 ft (46.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 43
CrossesHell Creek
Location0.2 Mile South of Road 3T
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLincoln County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.41654, -103.26661
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.4 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67 (2020)
Projected traffic85 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Road 43 over Hell Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 43 over Hell 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 Road 43 over Hell Creek carry?

About 67 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is County Road 43 over Hell Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.4 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 43 over Hell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.