US Bridges

US 50 Ml over Gunnison River

Fair

Gunnison County, Colorado · W. Side of Gunnison · Structure no. J-09-AB

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml over Gunnison River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 50 Ml over Gunnison River in Gunnison County, Colorado. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,184 by 2040. The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 50 Ml
CrossesGunnison River
LocationW. Side of Gunnison
RouteU.S. Route 50A
CountyGunnison County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.53347, -106.94945
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.7 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2020)
Projected traffic8,184 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$281,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 50 Ml over Gunnison River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ml over Gunnison 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 50 Ml over Gunnison River carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml over Gunnison River?

The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml over Gunnison River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.