US Bridges

Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River

Fair

Carbon County, Wyoming · Medicine Bow · Structure no. CML

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
173 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
661
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River in Carbon County, Wyoming. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 661 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 925 by 2043. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 83.3 mi (134 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWyo 487
CrossesMedicine Bow River
LocationMedicine Bow
RouteState Highway 487
CountyCarbon County
StateWyoming
Coordinates41.90689, -106.20261
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic661 (2024)
Projected traffic925 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed83.3 mi (134 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River carry?

About 661 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Wyo 487 over Medicine Bow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.