US Bridges

SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal

Fair

Crowley County, Colorado · 3.3 MI N of JCT SH 96 E · Structure no. K-22-F

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
570
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal in Crowley County, Colorado. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 570 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 758 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesSH 71 Ml
CrossesBob Creek Canal
Location3.3 MI N of JCT SH 96 E
RouteState Highway 71C
Coordinates38.26459, -103.74847
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic570 (2020)
Projected traffic758 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal carry?

About 570 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 Ml over Bob Creek Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.