US Bridges

County Road 42 over Saguache Creek

Fair

Saguache County, Colorado · 1.1 MI S of SH 114 · Structure no. SAG42-AA.5-14A

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
121
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 42 over Saguache Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 42 over Saguache Creek in Saguache County, Colorado. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 121 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 149 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 42
CrossesSaguache Creek
Location1.1 MI S of SH 114
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySaguache County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.11046, -106.23322
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic121 (2022)
Projected traffic149 by 2042
Trucks2%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 42 over Saguache Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 42 over Saguache 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 42 over Saguache Creek carry?

About 121 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 42 over Saguache Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 42 over Saguache Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.