US Bridges

51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch

Fair

Denver County, Colorado · Just West of Havana ST · Structure no. D-20-MB-332

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,953
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch in Denver County, Colorado. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 5 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 3,953 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,388 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 220 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries51st Avenue
CrossesMontbello Ditch
LocationJust West of Havana ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDenver County
StateColorado
Coordinates39.79009, -104.8664
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width220 ft (67.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,953 (2021)
Projected traffic4,388 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch carry?

About 3,953 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 220 ft wide.

Who owns 51st Avenue over Montbello Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.