US Bridges

County Road 100 over Empire Canal

Fair

Alamosa County, Colorado · 9.5 MI SW of Alamosa · Structure no. 003010004.8008A

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,052
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 100 over Empire Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 100 over Empire Canal in Alamosa County, Colorado. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 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 1,052 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,273 by 2042. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 100
CrossesEmpire Canal
Location9.5 MI SW of Alamosa
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAlamosa County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.42599, -106.03931
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
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 rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,052 (2022)
Projected traffic1,273 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 County Road 100 over Empire Canal built?

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

What condition is County Road 100 over Empire Canal 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 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 100 over Empire Canal carry?

About 1,052 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is County Road 100 over Empire Canal?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 100 over Empire Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.