US Bridges

1st Ave over Highline Canal

Fair

Arapahoe County, Colorado · 0.3 MI E of Chambers RD · Structure no. AUR08.0-J.5

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,949
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

1st Ave over Highline Canal is a steel arch - deck carrying 1st Ave over Highline Canal in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 2,949 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,598 by 2041. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries1st Ave
CrossesHighline Canal
Location0.3 MI E of Chambers RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyArapahoe County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.71883, -104.80544
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,949 (2021)
Projected traffic3,598 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 1st Ave over Highline Canal built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1st Ave over Highline 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does 1st Ave over Highline Canal carry?

About 2,949 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 1st Ave over Highline Canal?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns 1st Ave over Highline Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.