US Bridges

NFSR 96 over So. Platte River

PoorPosted for load

Park County, Colorado · 6.8 MI S of Lake George · Structure no. 021210000001046

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
2000 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 96 over So. Platte River is a steel truss - thru carrying NFSR 96 over So. Platte River in Park County, Colorado. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2045. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 96
CrossesSo. Platte River
Location6.8 MI S of Lake George
RouteFederal Lands Road 96
CountyPark County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.92091, -105.4302
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.1 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2000)
Projected traffic300 by 2045
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 96 over So. Platte River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 96 over So. Platte River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 96 over So. Platte River carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is NFSR 96 over So. Platte River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 96 over So. Platte River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.