US Bridges

County Road Z over Otero Canal

FairPosted for load

Otero County, Colorado · .2 MI W of CR 19 · Structure no. OT-Z-18-22-092

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road Z over Otero Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road Z over Otero Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 27 vehicles a day, projected to reach 31 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road Z
CrossesOtero Canal
Location.2 MI W of CR 19
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOtero County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.96791, -103.73214
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.7 US tons
Inventory rating14.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27 (2022)
Projected traffic31 by 2042
Trucks0%
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

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 Z over Otero Canal built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road Z 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does County Road Z over Otero Canal carry?

About 27 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road Z over Otero Canal?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road Z over Otero Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.