US Bridges

County Road 21 over Sanchez Canal

Fair

Costilla County, Colorado · Just N of CR H.2 · Structure no. CSVEN-S10-242AA

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
83
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 21 over Sanchez Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 21 over Sanchez Canal in Costilla County, Colorado. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 83 vehicles a day, projected to reach 93 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesCounty Road 21
CrossesSanchez Canal
LocationJust N of CR H.2
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates37.10197, -105.38474
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating72.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83 (2022)
Projected traffic93 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 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 21 over Sanchez Canal built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 21 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 21 over Sanchez Canal carry?

About 83 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 21 over Sanchez Canal?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 21 over Sanchez Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.