Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch
FairPueblo County, Colorado · Corner of Prairie/Adam · Structure no. PUEPRAR-0.0-ADM
- Built
- 1960
- 65 years old, rebuilt 1976
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected November 2024
- Type
- Slab
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 22 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 2,964
- 2021 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch in Pueblo County, Colorado. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 65 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 2,964 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,498 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch built?
It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.
What condition is Prairie 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 Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch carry?
About 2,964 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch?
The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.
Who owns Prairie Avenue over Bessemer Ditch?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.