US Bridges

Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch

Fair

Larimer County, Colorado · 0.1 MI W of CR 11 · Structure no. FCLAPT-PENN

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,487
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 60 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 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 6,487 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,109 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesLaporte Avenue
CrossesNew Mercer Ditch
Location0.1 MI W of CR 11
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.58935, -105.11678
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,487 (2023)
Projected traffic8,109 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch carry?

About 6,487 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Laporte Avenue over New Mercer Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.