US Bridges

County Road 48X over Saguache Creek

Fair

Saguache County, Colorado · .8 MI N of CR X · Structure no. SAG48X-0.7-16

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
214
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 48X over Saguache Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 48X over Saguache Creek in Saguache County, Colorado. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 214 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 263 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 48X
CrossesSaguache Creek
Location.8 MI N of CR X
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySaguache County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.06979, -106.12592
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating34.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic214 (2022)
Projected traffic263 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 48X over Saguache Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 48X 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 48X over Saguache Creek carry?

About 214 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 48X over Saguache Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 48X over Saguache Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.