US Bridges

SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch

Fair

Fremont County, Colorado · 18.9 MI N of Westcliffe · Structure no. K-14-E

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch in Fremont County, Colorado. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 420 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 529 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesSH 69 Ml
CrossesRoad Gulch
Location18.9 MI N of Westcliffe
RouteState Highway 69A
Coordinates38.33904, -105.59614
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2020)
Projected traffic529 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SH 69 Ml over Road Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.