US Bridges

County Road 52E over Elk River

Fair

Routt County, Colorado · 0.4 MI W of CO RD 129 · Structure no. 107052E00.40914

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
118 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
227
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 52E over Elk River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 52E over Elk River in Routt County, Colorado. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 227 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 271 by 2042. The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 52E
CrossesElk River
Location0.4 MI W of CO RD 129
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRoutt County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.59518, -106.91825
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length118 ft (36.1 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic227 (2023)
Projected traffic271 by 2042
Trucks40%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 52E over Elk River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 52E over Elk River 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 52E over Elk River carry?

About 227 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is County Road 52E over Elk River?

The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 52E over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.