US Bridges

US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal

Fair

Goshen County, Wyoming · Cheyenne - Torrington · Structure no. BWI

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,363
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal in Goshen County, Wyoming. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 2,363 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,308 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.9 mi (98 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 85
CrossesFort Laramie Canal
LocationCheyenne - Torrington
RouteU.S. Route 85
CountyGoshen County
StateWyoming
Coordinates41.91095, -104.26667
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,363 (2024)
Projected traffic3,308 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.9 mi (98 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 over Fort Laramie 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal carry?

About 2,363 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 over Fort Laramie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.