US Bridges

County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal

Fair

Rio Grande County, Colorado · .5 MI N of SH 112 · Structure no. RGD033-00.50

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
165
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 77 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 5 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 165 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 191 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 33
CrossesRio Grande Canal
Location.5 MI N of SH 112
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.71811, -106.31458
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.6 US tons
Inventory rating16.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2022)
Projected traffic191 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is County Road 33 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 33 over Rio Grande Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.