US Bridges

US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River

Fair

Pueblo County, Colorado · In Pueblo · Structure no. K-18-FF

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
296 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,540 by 2040. The structure is 296 ft (90.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50 Bus. RTE
CrossesArkansas River
LocationIn Pueblo
RouteU.S. Route 50C
CountyPueblo County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.25403, -104.60652
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.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length296 ft (90.1 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2020)
Projected traffic18,540 by 2040
Trucks4%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Bus. RTE 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River?

The structure is 296 ft (90.1 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Bus. RTE over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.