US Bridges

County Road 15 over Rio Grande Canal

Fair

Rio Grande County, Colorado · .8 MI N of SH 112 · Structure no. RGDE15-18.50A

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
168
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 15 over Rio Grande Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 15 over Rio Grande Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 168 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 195 by 2042. The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 15
CrossesRio Grande Canal
Location.8 MI N of SH 112
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.69704, -106.35077
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic168 (2022)
Projected traffic195 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 15 over Rio Grande Canal built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 15 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 15 over Rio Grande Canal carry?

About 168 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 15 over Rio Grande Canal?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 15 over Rio Grande Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.