SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River
FairChaffee County, Colorado · 6.8 MI NW of Salida · Structure no. J-12-E
- Built
- 1962
- 63 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected November 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 272 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 3,900
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River in Chaffee County, Colorado. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,407 by 2040. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River built?
It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.
What condition is SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River 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 November 2023.
How much traffic does SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River carry?
About 3,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.
How long is SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River?
The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (37 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.
Who owns SH 291 Ml over Arkansas River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.