US Bridges

County Road Z over Saguache Creek

Fair

Saguache County, Colorado · 1.5 MI W of CR 46 · Structure no. SAGZ-44.9-08A

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
187
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road Z over Saguache Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road Z 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 187 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 231 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road Z
CrossesSaguache Creek
Location1.5 MI W of CR 46
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySaguache County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.08796, -106.18039
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic187 (2022)
Projected traffic231 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 Z over Saguache Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road Z 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 Z over Saguache Creek carry?

About 187 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road Z over Saguache Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Road Z over Saguache Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.