US Bridges

US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo

Fair

Otero County, Colorado · 2 MI E of LA Junta · Structure no. M-23-A

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
93 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,648 by 2040. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 50 Ml Wbnd
CrossesThompson Arroyo
Location2 MI E of LA Junta
RouteU.S. Route 50B
Coordinates37.99484, -103.48794
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2020)
Projected traffic1,648 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$435,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml Wbnd over Thompson Arroyo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.