US Bridges

I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek

Fair

Arapahoe County, Colorado · 1 MI E of JCT US 40 · Structure no. F-18-AZ

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
67 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,720 by 2040. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 169 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesI 70 Ml/ Frontage
CrossesFirst Creek
Location1 MI E of JCT US 40
RouteInterstate 70A
CountyArapahoe County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.74005, -104.71058
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.6 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width169 ft (51.5 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,000 (2020)
Projected traffic36,720 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek built?

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

What condition is I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek carry?

About 27,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 169 ft wide.

Who owns I 70 Ml/ Frontage over First Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.