US Bridges

County Road a over Rio Grande Canal

Fair

Saguache County, Colorado · 1.0 MI W of CR 41 · Structure no. SAGA-39.8-01A

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road a over Rio Grande Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Road a over Rio Grande Canal in Saguache County, Colorado. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 21 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road a
CrossesRio Grande Canal
Location1.0 MI W of CR 41
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySaguache County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.74826, -106.27763
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2042
Trucks0%
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 a over Rio Grande Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road a 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 January 2025.

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

About 21 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road a over Rio Grande Canal?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Road a over Rio Grande Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.