US Bridges

US 85 over Horse Creek

Fair

Laramie County, Wyoming · Cheyenne - Torrington · Structure no. BWF

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,861
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 over Horse Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 85 over Horse Creek in Laramie County, Wyoming. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 2,861 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,005 by 2043. The structure is 172 ft (52.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.9 mi (106 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 85
CrossesHorse Creek
LocationCheyenne - Torrington
RouteU.S. Route 85
CountyLaramie County
StateWyoming
Coordinates41.54169, -104.32036
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating74.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.3 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,861 (2024)
Projected traffic4,005 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.9 mi (106 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 over Horse Creek built?

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

What condition is US 85 over Horse 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 85 over Horse Creek carry?

About 2,861 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 85 over Horse Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.3 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 over Horse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.