US Bridges

US 50 Ml over Lost Creek

Fair

Chaffee County, Colorado · 7.6 MI W. of Poncha Spgs. · Structure no. J-12-AA

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml over Lost Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Ml over Lost Creek in Chaffee 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 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 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,938 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 50 Ml
CrossesLost Creek
Location7.6 MI W. of Poncha Spgs.
RouteU.S. Route 50A
Coordinates38.54177, -106.21725
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 inspectionJune 2023
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 rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2020)
Projected traffic2,938 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ml over Lost Creek built?

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

What condition is US 50 Ml over Lost 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 US 50 Ml over Lost Creek carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml over Lost Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.