US Bridges

US 85 over American Canal

Good

El Paso County, Texas · 4.6 MI W of IH 110 · Structure no. 240720000104020

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
78 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,128
2023 count
Owner
Unknown

About this bridge

US 85 over American Canal is a concrete culvert carrying US 85 over American Canal in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10,128 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,594 by 2042. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 1,690 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 85
CrossesAmerican Canal
Location4.6 MI W of IH 110
RouteU.S. Route 85
StateTexas
Coordinates31.77198, -106.51498
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width1,690 ft (515.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,128 (2023)
Projected traffic41,594 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNot reported
Maintained byNot reported
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 over American Canal built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 over American Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does US 85 over American Canal carry?

About 10,128 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 85 over American Canal?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 1,690 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 over American Canal?

It is owned by the owner is not reported.