US Bridges

County Road 6W over Farmers Union Canal

Fair

Rio Grande County, Colorado · .4 MI N of CR 6N · Structure no. RGDW06-06.40N

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 6W over Farmers Union Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 6W over Farmers Union Canal in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 85 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 69 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 6W
CrossesFarmers Union Canal
Location.4 MI N of CR 6N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRio Grande County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.66666, -106.25932
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.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic69 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 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 6W over Farmers Union Canal built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is County Road 6W over Farmers Union 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 6W over Farmers Union Canal carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 6W over Farmers Union Canal?

The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 6W over Farmers Union Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.