US Bridges

County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek

FairPosted for load

Morgan County, Colorado · 3.7 MI N of CO RD M · Structure no. MG3-1.7-M

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
265
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek in Morgan County, Colorado. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 265 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 337 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 3
CrossesKiowa Creek
Location3.7 MI N of CO RD M
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMorgan County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.19989, -104.09377
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic265 (2023)
Projected traffic337 by 2043
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$878,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 3 over Kiowa 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek carry?

About 265 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 3 over Kiowa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.