US Bridges

US 287 Ml over Santana Canal

Fair

Prowers County, Colorado · 6.6 MI N of SH 196 · Structure no. L-26-BQ

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 Ml over Santana Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying US 287 Ml over Santana Canal in Prowers County, Colorado. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 6 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 52% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,309 by 2040. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 287 Ml
CrossesSantana Canal
Location6.6 MI N of SH 196
RouteU.S. Route 287B
Coordinates38.23803, -102.72391
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2020)
Projected traffic4,309 by 2040
Trucks52%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 287 Ml over Santana Canal built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 287 Ml over Santana 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 287 Ml over Santana Canal carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 52% are trucks.

How long is US 287 Ml over Santana Canal?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 Ml over Santana Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.