US Bridges

1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek

Fair

Rio Blanco County, Colorado · 19 MI NW of Rifle CO · Structure no. 0000000L1828329

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Land Management

About this bridge

1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1002: Cow Creek Ro
CrossesPiceance Creek
Location19 MI NW of Rifle CO
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyRio Blanco County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.735, -108.00333
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic100 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Land Management
Maintained byBureau of Land Management
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$23,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 1002: Cow Creek Ro over Piceance Creek?

It is owned by the Bureau of Land Management.