US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek
PoorDolores County, Colorado · 1.5 Miles NW Cahone · Structure no. N-01-A
- Built
- 1937
- 88 years old, rebuilt 1960
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2025
- Type
- Culvert
- Concrete
- Length
- 29 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 3,400
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek in Dolores County, Colorado. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 88 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,352 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Culvert | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek built?
It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.
What condition is US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.
How much traffic does US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek carry?
About 3,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.
How long is US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek?
The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.
Who owns US 491 Ml over Alkali Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.