US Bridges

US 16 over BNSF Railway

Fair

Weston County, Wyoming · Upton - Newcastle · Structure no. CHO

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,676
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 16 over BNSF Railway is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 16 over BNSF Railway in Weston County, Wyoming. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,676 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,346 by 2043. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 16
CrossesBNSF Railway
LocationUpton - Newcastle
RouteU.S. Route 16
CountyWeston County
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.07623, -104.58942
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.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,676 (2024)
Projected traffic2,346 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 16 over BNSF Railway built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 16 over BNSF Railway 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 16 over BNSF Railway carry?

About 1,676 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 16 over BNSF Railway?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 16 over BNSF Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.