US Bridges

US 20 over Owl Creek

Fair

Hot Springs County, Wyoming · Thermopolis - Worland · Structure no. CCE

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,934
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 over Owl Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 20 over Owl Creek in Hot Springs County, Wyoming. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 88 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 1,934 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,708 by 2043. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 20
CrossesOwl Creek
LocationThermopolis - Worland
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyHot Springs County
StateWyoming
Coordinates43.71493, -108.17637
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,934 (2024)
Projected traffic2,708 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$108,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 20 over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 20 over Owl 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 over Owl Creek carry?

About 1,934 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 20 over Owl Creek?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.