US Bridges

SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River

Fair

Gunnison County, Colorado · 2.5 MI NE of Gunnison · Structure no. J-09-E

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River in Gunnison County, Colorado. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 75 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 7,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,214 by 2040. The structure is 183 ft (55.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 135 Ml
CrossesGunnison River
Location2.5 MI NE of Gunnison
RouteState Highway 135A
CountyGunnison County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.58031, -106.92219
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length183 ft (55.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,400 (2020)
Projected traffic8,214 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$455,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is SH 135 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 SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River carry?

About 7,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River?

The structure is 183 ft (55.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 135 Ml over Gunnison River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.