US Bridges

US 85 over Bobcat Creek

Good

Niobrara County, Wyoming · Mule Creek Jct-Newcastle · Structure no. FRB

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,084
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 over Bobcat Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 85 over Bobcat Creek in Niobrara County, Wyoming. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Wyoming average of 48.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,084 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,518 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 85
CrossesBobcat Creek
LocationMule Creek Jct-Newcastle
RouteU.S. Route 85
StateWyoming
Coordinates43.45879, -104.2081
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,084 (2024)
Projected traffic1,518 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 85 over Bobcat Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 over Bobcat Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US 85 over Bobcat Creek carry?

About 1,084 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 85 over Bobcat Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 85 over Bobcat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.