US Bridges

County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 0.8 MI E of CO RD 27 · Structure no. WEL078.0-027.0B

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 47% of them trucks, projected to reach 284 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 78
CrossesLarimer and Weld Canal
Location0.8 MI E of CO RD 27
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWeld County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.55313, -104.79535
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic284 by 2043
Trucks47%
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 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 47% are trucks.

How long is County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 78 over Larimer and Weld Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.