US Bridges

SR 163 over Colorado River

Fair

Clark County, Nevada · Laughlin · Structure no. B1847

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
744 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
31,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 163 over Colorado River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 163 over Colorado River in Clark County, Nevada. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, older than the Nevada average of 36.4 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 31,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,044 by 2040. The structure is 744 ft (226.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 163
CrossesColorado River
LocationLaughlin
RouteState Highway 163
CountyClark County
StateNevada
Coordinates35.17222, -114.56945
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length744 ft (226.8 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.8 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.6 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,500 (2021)
Projected traffic62,044 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 163 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 163 over Colorado River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 163 over Colorado River carry?

About 31,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 163 over Colorado River?

The structure is 744 ft (226.8 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.8 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns SR 163 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.