US Bridges

County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek

Fair

Routt County, Colorado · 2.5 M E of Moffat CO Line · Structure no. 107005601.60943

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek in Routt County, Colorado. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 75 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 21 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 24 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 56
CrossesElkhead Creek
Location2.5 M E of Moffat CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRoutt County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.64536, -107.2766
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2023)
Projected traffic24 by 2042
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is County Road 56 over Elkhead 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 56 over Elkhead Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.