US 160 Ml over Empire Canal
FairRio Grande County, Colorado · 12 MI W of Alamosa · Structure no. N-12-BB
- Built
- 1972
- 53 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected March 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 79 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 7,700
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 160 Ml over Empire Canal is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 160 Ml over Empire Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 7,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,086 by 2040. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 160 Ml over Empire Canal built?
It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 160 Ml over Empire 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 March 2023.
How much traffic does US 160 Ml over Empire Canal carry?
About 7,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is US 160 Ml over Empire Canal?
The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.
Who owns US 160 Ml over Empire Canal?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.