US Bridges

US 16 over Big Horn Canal

Good

Big Horn County, Wyoming · Basin-Manderson · Structure no. HNP

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,139
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 16 over Big Horn Canal is a concrete culvert carrying US 16 over Big Horn Canal in Big Horn County, Wyoming. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 2,139 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,995 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 16
CrossesBig Horn Canal
LocationBasin-Manderson
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.31486, -108.04316
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,139 (2024)
Projected traffic2,995 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 16 over Big Horn Canal built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 16 over Big Horn 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 16 over Big Horn Canal carry?

About 2,139 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 16 over Big Horn Canal?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns US 16 over Big Horn Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.