US Bridges

US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River

Fair

Prowers County, Colorado · In Lamar · Structure no. L-26-H

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
570 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River in Prowers County, Colorado. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 4,700 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,311 by 2040. The structure is 570 ft (173.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 50 Ebnd
CrossesArkansas River
LocationIn Lamar
RouteU.S. Route 50B
Coordinates38.10617, -102.6185
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length570 ft (173.6 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2020)
Projected traffic5,311 by 2040
Trucks19%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River?

The structure is 570 ft (173.6 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ebnd over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.