US Bridges

County Road 51 over Latham Ditch

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 0.95 MI S of US HWY 34 · Structure no. WEL051.0-054.2A

Built
1984
41 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
28
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 51 over Latham Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 51 over Latham Ditch in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1984 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 41 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 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 28 vehicles a day, roughly 50% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 51
CrossesLatham Ditch
Location0.95 MI S of US HWY 34
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.38136, -104.58341
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2042
Trucks50%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 51 over Latham Ditch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is County Road 51 over Latham Ditch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 51 over Latham Ditch carry?

About 28 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 50% are trucks.

How long is County Road 51 over Latham Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 51 over Latham Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.