US Bridges

SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch

Fair

Pueblo County, Colorado · 3.9 MI E of JCT SH 67 Wet · Structure no. L-16-C

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,150 by 2040. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 96 Ml
CrossesBranch of Ritchie Gulch
Location3.9 MI E of JCT SH 67 Wet
RouteState Highway 96A
CountyPueblo County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.24655, -105.03491
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2020)
Projected traffic1,150 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch 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 2022.

How much traffic does SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 96 Ml over Branch of Ritchie Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.