US Bridges

SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch

Fair

Pueblo County, Colorado · 1.4 MI E of JCT SH 45 · Structure no. K-18-AE

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 6 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 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,190 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 96 Ml
CrossesBessemer Ditch
Location1.4 MI E of JCT SH 45
RouteState Highway 96A
CountyPueblo County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.25927, -104.63631
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.5 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2020)
Projected traffic18,190 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$130,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 96 Ml over Bessemer Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.