US Bridges

US 491 Ml over Draw

Fair

Dolores County, Colorado · 5.9 MI NW of Cahone · Structure no. N-01-G

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 491 Ml over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 491 Ml over Draw in Dolores County, Colorado. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,352 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 491 Ml
CrossesDraw
Location5.9 MI NW of Cahone
RouteU.S. Route 491B
Coordinates37.72757, -108.86119
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2020)
Projected traffic4,352 by 2040
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$152,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 491 Ml over Draw built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 491 Ml over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 491 Ml over Draw?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns US 491 Ml over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.