US Bridges

US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch

Fair

Arapahoe County, Colorado · In Littleton · Structure no. F-16-AA

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
44,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch is a concrete slab carrying US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 44,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,120 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 98 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 85 Ml
CrossesLee Gulch
LocationIn Littleton
RouteU.S. Route 85B
CountyArapahoe County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.59836, -105.02078
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width98 ft (29.9 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,000 (2020)
Projected traffic54,120 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$78,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch carry?

About 44,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 98 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 Ml over Lee Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.