US Bridges

County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek

Fair

Mesa County, Colorado · Plateau Creek at Vega Res · Structure no. MESA-N.5-68.4A

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
81
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek in Mesa County, Colorado. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 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 81 vehicles a day, projected to reach 95 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road N.5
CrossesPlateau Creek
LocationPlateau Creek at Vega Res
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMesa County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.22005, -107.77625
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic81 (2022)
Projected traffic95 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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 N.5 over Plateau Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is County Road N.5 over Plateau 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek carry?

About 81 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Road N.5 over Plateau Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.