US Bridges

Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch

Fair

Pueblo County, Colorado · Corner of Lake/Adams · Structure no. PUELAK-0.0-ADM

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,100
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch is a concrete slab carrying Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,198 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesLake Avenue
CrossesBessemer Ditch
LocationCorner of Lake/Adams
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPueblo County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.25077, -104.62511
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2021)
Projected traffic7,198 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lake Avenue 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns Lake Avenue over Bessemer Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.