US Bridges

County Road Bb over Empire Canal

Fair

Conejos County, Colorado · 1.4 MI W of SH 285 · Structure no. CON02.8E-18.0NA

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
57
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road Bb over Empire Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road Bb over Empire Canal in Conejos County, Colorado. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 5 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 57 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road Bb
CrossesEmpire Canal
Location1.4 MI W of SH 285
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyConejos County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.34174, -105.96616
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57 (2022)
Projected traffic65 by 2042
Trucks0%
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 Bb over Empire Canal built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road Bb 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 Bb over Empire Canal carry?

About 57 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road Bb over Empire Canal?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns County Road Bb over Empire Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.