US Bridges

SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch

Fair

Boulder County, Colorado · In Boulder · Structure no. D-16-DE

Built
1987
38 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch in Boulder County, Colorado. It was built in 1987 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 34,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,720 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 307 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 157 Ml
CrossesBoulder Whiterock Ditch
LocationIn Boulder
RouteState Highway 157A
Coordinates40.03373, -105.24431
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width307 ft (93.6 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,000 (2020)
Projected traffic36,720 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch carry?

About 34,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 307 ft wide.

Who owns SH 157 Ml over Boulder Whiterock Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.