US Bridges

County Road 74 over Willow Creek

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 0.2 MI E of CO RD 51 · Structure no. WEL074.0-051.0A

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
421
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 74 over Willow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 74 over Willow Creek in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 421 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 598 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 74
CrossesWillow Creek
Location0.2 MI E of CO RD 51
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.52234, -104.58101
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic421 (2022)
Projected traffic598 by 2042
Trucks30%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$230,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 74 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is County Road 74 over Willow 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 74 over Willow Creek carry?

About 421 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is County Road 74 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 74 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.