US Bridges

County Road M over Vega Creek

FairPosted for load

Washington County, Colorado · 2.20 MI South of US 36 · Structure no. WTNM-09.80

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
100 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
21
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road M over Vega Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road M over Vega Creek in Washington County, Colorado. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 21 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 26 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road M
CrossesVega Creek
Location2.20 MI South of US 36
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWashington County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.70753, -103.49989
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.8 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.6 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2023)
Projected traffic26 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$269,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road M over Vega Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road M over Vega 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does County Road M over Vega Creek carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is County Road M over Vega Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.6 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road M over Vega Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.