US Bridges

Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · S of Independence Circle · Structure no. WST08-14-M

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,585
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4,585 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,273 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIndependence Drive
CrossesFarmers Highline Canal
LocationS of Independence Circle
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.85942, -105.10358
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.1 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,585 (2021)
Projected traffic5,273 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Independence Drive over Farmers Highline 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 2023.

How much traffic does Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal carry?

About 4,585 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal?

The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Independence Drive over Farmers Highline Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.