US Bridges

I 70 Ml over Clear Creek

Fair

Clear Creek County, Colorado · Empire · Structure no. E-14-AQ

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 70 Ml over Clear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I 70 Ml over Clear Creek in Clear Creek County, Colorado. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 34,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,480 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 138 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 70 Ml
CrossesClear Creek
LocationEmpire
RouteInterstate 70A
CountyClear Creek County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.75175, -105.66237
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.9 US tons
Inventory rating99.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width138 ft (42.2 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,000 (2020)
Projected traffic41,480 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 70 Ml over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 70 Ml over Clear 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 2023.

How much traffic does I 70 Ml over Clear Creek carry?

About 34,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I 70 Ml over Clear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 138 ft wide.

Who owns I 70 Ml over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.