US Bridges

County Road 3S over Empire Canal

FairPosted for load

Rio Grande County, Colorado · 1.1 MI E of Cr. 3E · Structure no. RGDS03-04.10E

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
42
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 3S over Empire Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 3S over Empire Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 42 vehicles a day, projected to reach 49 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 3S
CrossesEmpire Canal
Location1.1 MI E of Cr. 3E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.53128, -106.07386
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42 (2022)
Projected traffic49 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 3S over Empire Canal built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 3S 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 3S over Empire Canal carry?

About 42 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 3S over Empire Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 3S over Empire Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.