US Bridges

County Road 491 over Colorado River

Fair

Grand County, Colorado · E of Winding River Resort · Structure no. 049049101.5026A

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
631
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 491 over Colorado River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 491 over Colorado River in Grand County, Colorado. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 631 vehicles a day, roughly 51% of them trucks, projected to reach 744 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 491
CrossesColorado River
LocationE of Winding River Resort
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrand County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.27701, -105.85028
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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
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 rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length59 ft (18.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic631 (2023)
Projected traffic744 by 2042
Trucks51%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 County Road 491 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is County Road 491 over Colorado River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 491 over Colorado River carry?

About 631 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 51% are trucks.

How long is County Road 491 over Colorado River?

The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 491 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.