US Bridges

Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel

Fair

El Paso County, Colorado · Just W of Channel Drive · Structure no. CSG-L.45-17.00

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,113
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 13,113 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,178 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 247 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesResearch Parkway
CrossesFairfax Channel
LocationJust W of Channel Drive
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEl Paso County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.95464, -104.72977
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width247 ft (75.2 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,113 (2021)
Projected traffic17,178 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel carry?

About 13,113 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 247 ft wide.

Who owns Research Parkway over Fairfax Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.