US Bridges

US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal

Fair

Otero County, Colorado · In Rocky Ford · Structure no. L-22-I

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal is a concrete slab carrying US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,323 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50 Ml Ebnd
CrossesRocky Ford Canal
LocationIn Rocky Ford
RouteU.S. Route 50B
CountyOtero County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.05478, -103.72199
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2020)
Projected traffic2,323 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml Ebnd over Rocky Ford Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.