US Bridges

County Road 51 over Owl Creek Canal

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 1.96 MI N of CO RD 76 · Structure no. WEL051.0_078.0A

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
968
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 51 over Owl Creek Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 51 over Owl Creek Canal in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 968 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,374 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 51
CrossesOwl Creek Canal
Location1.96 MI N of CO RD 76
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.565, -104.583
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (16 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic968 (2023)
Projected traffic1,374 by 2042
Trucks28%
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 51 over Owl Creek Canal built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 51 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 51 over Owl Creek Canal carry?

About 968 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is County Road 51 over Owl Creek Canal?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (16 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 51 over Owl Creek Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.