US Bridges

County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 0.4 MI E of CO RD 65 · Structure no. WEL052.5-065.0A

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
133
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 133 vehicles a day, roughly 65% of them trucks, projected to reach 189 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 52.5
CrossesEmpire Intake Canal
Location0.4 MI E of CO RD 65
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.35919, -104.44147
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.5 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic133 (2023)
Projected traffic189 by 2042
Trucks65%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake 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 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal carry?

About 133 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 65% are trucks.

How long is County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 52.5 over Empire Intake Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.