US Bridges

SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek

Fair

Washington County, Colorado · 1.4 MI No of JCT US 36 · Structure no. E-22-J

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
880
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek in Washington County, Colorado. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 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 880 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 986 by 2040. The structure is 94 ft (28.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesSH 71 Ml
CrossesW Fk Plum Bush Creek
Location1.4 MI No of JCT US 36
RouteState Highway 71D
Coordinates39.76048, -103.59336
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length94 ft (28.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic880 (2020)
Projected traffic986 by 2040
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$161,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek carry?

About 880 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 Ml over W Fk Plum Bush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.