US Bridges

Vara Ct over Franklin Canal

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 0.02 MI SW of SH 20 · Structure no. 240720F00170001

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vara Ct over Franklin Canal is a prestressed concrete other carrying Vara Ct over Franklin Canal in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVara Ct
CrossesFranklin Canal
Location0.02 MI SW of SH 20
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEl Paso County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.63885, -106.27734
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2016)
Projected traffic100 by 2038
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
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 Vara Ct over Franklin Canal built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vara Ct over Franklin 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 Vara Ct over Franklin Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Vara Ct over Franklin Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Vara Ct over Franklin Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.