US Bridges

US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek

Fair

Bent County, Colorado · 8.4 MI East of Las Animas · Structure no. L-24-M

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
140 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek in Bent County, Colorado. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,808 by 2040. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 50 Ml
CrossesGageby Creek
Location8.4 MI East of Las Animas
RouteU.S. Route 50B
Coordinates38.11329, -103.07697
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2020)
Projected traffic2,808 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ml over Gageby 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml over Gageby Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.