US Bridges

SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek

Fair

Custer County, Colorado · 3 MI NW of Westcliffe · Structure no. L-14-D

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek in Custer County, Colorado. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,448 by 2040. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 69 Ml
CrossesGrape Creek
Location3 MI NW of Westcliffe
RouteState Highway 69A
Coordinates38.16924, -105.49603
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2020)
Projected traffic2,448 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 69 Ml over Grape Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 69 Ml over Grape 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SH 69 Ml over Grape Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.