US Bridges

SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal

Fair

Otero County, Colorado · 2 MI West of Rocky Ford · Structure no. L-21-CT

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 180 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 221 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 202 Ml
CrossesOtero Canal
Location2 MI West of Rocky Ford
RouteState Highway 202A
CountyOtero County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.05507, -103.76309
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2020)
Projected traffic221 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 202 Ml over Otero Canal built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 202 Ml over Otero 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SH 202 Ml over Otero Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.