US Bridges

County Road J over North Ute Canyon

Fair

Baca County, Colorado · 1.6 MI W of SH 287/385 · Structure no. BAH-26.3-7-77

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
46
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road J over North Ute Canyon is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road J over North Ute Canyon in Baca County, Colorado. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 90 years old, older 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 59 by 2042. The structure is 70 ft (21.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road J
CrossesNorth Ute Canyon
Location1.6 MI W of SH 287/385
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBaca County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.10528, -102.61019
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2022)
Projected traffic59 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road J over North Ute Canyon built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is County Road J over North Ute Canyon 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Road J over North Ute Canyon carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road J over North Ute Canyon?

The structure is 70 ft (21.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road J over North Ute Canyon?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.