US Bridges

US 491 Ml over Monument Creek

Fair

Dolores County, Colorado · 0.3 MI NW of JCT SH 141 M · Structure no. M-01-B

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 491 Ml over Monument Creek is a steel culvert carrying US 491 Ml over Monument Creek in Dolores County, Colorado. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,936 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 138 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 491 Ml
CrossesMonument Creek
Location0.3 MI NW of JCT SH 141 M
RouteU.S. Route 491B
Coordinates37.77604, -108.94436
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating106.8 US tons
Inventory rating106.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width138 ft (42.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2020)
Projected traffic3,936 by 2040
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 491 Ml over Monument Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 491 Ml over Monument 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 491 Ml over Monument Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 491 Ml over Monument Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 138 ft wide.

Who owns US 491 Ml over Monument Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.