US Bridges

County Road 18 over Rio Grande River

Good

Rio Grande County, Colorado · .3 MI N of SH 160 · Structure no. RGD018-00.30A

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
249
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 18 over Rio Grande River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 18 over Rio Grande River in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 249 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 289 by 2042. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 18
CrossesRio Grande River
Location.3 MI N of SH 160
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.69185, -106.51508
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.8 US tons
Inventory rating46.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic249 (2022)
Projected traffic289 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 18 over Rio Grande River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 18 over Rio Grande River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 18 over Rio Grande River carry?

About 249 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 18 over Rio Grande River?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 18 over Rio Grande River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.