US Bridges

County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal

Fair

Otero County, Colorado · .1 MI N of SH 266 · Structure no. OT26-25-30-149A

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal in Otero County, Colorado. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 67 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 6 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2042. The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 26
CrossesFort Lyon Storage Canal
Location.1 MI N of SH 266
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOtero County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.08039, -103.60631
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6 (2022)
Projected traffic7 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$299,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage 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 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal carry?

About 6 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 26 over Fort Lyon Storage Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.