US Bridges

County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 1.1 MI N of CO RD 76 · Structure no. WEL047.0-078.0A

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
124
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 65 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 124 vehicles a day, roughly 62% of them trucks, projected to reach 176 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 47
CrossesOwl Creek Canal
Location1.1 MI N of CO RD 76
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.554, -104.621
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic124 (2023)
Projected traffic176 by 2042
Trucks62%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is County Road 47 over Owl Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal carry?

About 124 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 62% are trucks.

How long is County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 47 over Owl Creek Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.