US Bridges

South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch)

Fair

Boulder County, Colorado · 0.6 MI E of US HWY 36 · Structure no. BC-60-0.3-VC-1

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,270
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch) is a concrete culvert carrying South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch) in Boulder County, Colorado. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 50 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 9,270 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,124 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth Boulder Road
CrossesViele Channel (ditch)
Location0.6 MI E of US HWY 36
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBoulder County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.98576, -105.22341
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width92 ft (27.9 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,270 (2022)
Projected traffic11,124 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch) built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch) 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch) carry?

About 9,270 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch)?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns South Boulder Road over Viele Channel (ditch)?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.