US Bridges

County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal

Poor

Prowers County, Colorado · .2 MI N of CR Ss · Structure no. PR3-2.0-38.3-4A

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
240
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal in Prowers County, Colorado. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 240 vehicles a day, projected to reach 286 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 3
CrossesFt. Lyon Canal
Location.2 MI N of CR Ss
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyProwers County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.20516, -102.70584
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.4 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2022)
Projected traffic286 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 3 over Ft. Lyon Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.