US Bridges

County Road 3 over Bijou Canal

Good

Morgan County, Colorado · 0.5 MI N of CO RD U · Structure no. MG3-0.5-U

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 3 over Bijou Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 3 over Bijou Canal in Morgan County, Colorado. It was built in 1965, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 32 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 41 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 3
CrossesBijou Canal
Location0.5 MI N of CO RD U
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMorgan County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.29841, -104.09336
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32 (2023)
Projected traffic41 by 2043
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 3 over Bijou Canal built?

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

What condition is County Road 3 over Bijou Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 3 over Bijou Canal carry?

About 32 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is County Road 3 over Bijou Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 3 over Bijou Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.