US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek
PoorEl Paso County, Colorado · 0.5 MI N of JCT I-25 Ml · Structure no. J-18-M
- Built
- 1930
- 95 years old, rebuilt 1964
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 568 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 11,000
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek in El Paso County, Colorado. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 95 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,640 by 2040. The structure is 568 ft (173 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek built?
It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.
What condition is US 85 Ml over Fountain 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 July 2024.
How much traffic does US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek carry?
About 11,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek?
The structure is 568 ft (173 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.
Who owns US 85 Ml over Fountain Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.