US Bridges

County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal

FairPosted for load

Rio Grande County, Colorado · .2 MI S of CR 7N · Structure no. RGDW04-06.60N

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
78
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 78 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 4W
CrossesRio Grande Canal
Location.2 MI S of CR 7N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.6697, -106.22251
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78 (2022)
Projected traffic90 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$20,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 4W 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 4W over Rio Grande Canal carry?

About 78 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 4W over Rio Grande Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.