US Bridges

US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing

Good

Chaffee County, Colorado · _ · Structure no. J-12-BA

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Frame
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing is a steel frame carrying US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing in Chaffee County, Colorado. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,512 by 2038. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 69 ft wide.

CarriesUS 285 Ml
CrossesWildlife Crossing
Location_
RouteU.S. Route 285C
Coordinates38.78093, -106.1114
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,700 (2018)
Projected traffic12,512 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing carry?

About 9,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns US 285 Ml over Wildlife Crossing?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.