US Bridges

County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal

Fair

Rio Grande County, Colorado · 4.9 MI NW of Monte Vista · Structure no. RGD027-02.40A

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
122
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal in Rio Grande 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 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 122 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 141 by 2042. The structure is 96 ft (29.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 27
CrossesRio Grande Canal
Location4.9 MI NW of Monte Vista
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.61693, -106.22228
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
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 inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length96 ft (29.4 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic122 (2022)
Projected traffic141 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 27 over Rio Grande Canal built?

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

What condition is County Road 27 over Rio Grande 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal carry?

About 122 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal?

The structure is 96 ft (29.4 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 27 over Rio Grande Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.