SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal
FairOtero County, Colorado · 8 MI No of JCT US 350 · Structure no. M-22-AC
- Built
- 1950
- 75 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected January 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 34 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 220
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 326 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal built?
It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.
What condition is SH 71 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 January 2024.
How much traffic does SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal carry?
About 220 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.
How long is SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal?
The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.
Who owns SH 71 Ml over Otero Canal?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.