US Bridges

County Road M.5 over Sanchez Canal

Fair

Costilla County, Colorado · 2.0 MI NE of Chama · Structure no. CS152B-17-242DA

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road M.5 over Sanchez Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road M.5 over Sanchez Canal in Costilla County, Colorado. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 14 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road M.5
CrossesSanchez Canal
Location2.0 MI NE of Chama
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCostilla County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.16727, -105.34554
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.6 US tons
Inventory rating43.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14 (2022)
Projected traffic15 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 M.5 over Sanchez Canal built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road M.5 over Sanchez 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 M.5 over Sanchez Canal carry?

About 14 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road M.5 over Sanchez Canal?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road M.5 over Sanchez Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.