US Bridges

US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 15 MI W of Wiggins · Structure no. C-19-AK

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
128 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,450 by 2040. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 34 Ml
CrossesBijou Canal
Location15 MI W of Wiggins
RouteU.S. Route 34A
Coordinates40.29113, -104.255
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2020)
Projected traffic6,450 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 Ml over Bijou 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 Ml over Bijou Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.