US Bridges

County Road 4 over Shell Creek

Fair

Moffat County, Colorado · 49.0 MI West of ST HWY 13 · Structure no. MOF4-49.00

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
66
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 4 over Shell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 4 over Shell Creek in Moffat County, Colorado. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 66 vehicles a day, roughly 54% of them trucks, projected to reach 77 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 4
CrossesShell Creek
Location49.0 MI West of ST HWY 13
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMoffat County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.98407, -108.49293
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66 (2023)
Projected traffic77 by 2042
Trucks54%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 4 over Shell Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 4 over Shell 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 4 over Shell Creek carry?

About 66 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 54% are trucks.

How long is County Road 4 over Shell Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 4 over Shell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.