US Bridges

County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch

Poor

Pueblo County, Colorado · 3 MI SE of Broadacre RD · Structure no. PUCO 11.69-302A

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
54
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 54 vehicles a day, projected to reach 63 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 321
CrossesHuerfano-Cucharas Ditch
Location3 MI SE of Broadacre RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPueblo County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.0662, -104.42062
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic54 (2022)
Projected traffic63 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$298,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch carry?

About 54 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 321 over Huerfano-Cucharas Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.