US Bridges

County Road 14 over Otero Canal

Poor

Otero County, Colorado · .2 MI S of CR Hh · Structure no. OT14-13-29.8-43

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
97
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 14 over Otero Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 14 over Otero Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 97 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 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 14
CrossesOtero Canal
Location.2 MI S of CR Hh
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOtero County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.08058, -103.82094
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic97 (2022)
Projected traffic110 by 2042
Trucks20%
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 14 over Otero Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 14 over Otero Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 14 over Otero Canal carry?

About 97 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is County Road 14 over Otero Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 14 over Otero Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.