US Bridges

US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River

Fair

Gunnison County, Colorado · W. End of Blue Mesa Res. · Structure no. K-07-A

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
993 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River in Gunnison County, Colorado. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,330 by 2040. The structure is 993 ft (302.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

CarriesUS 50 Ml
CrossesLake Fk Gunnsion River
LocationW. End of Blue Mesa Res.
RouteU.S. Route 50A
Coordinates38.45152, -107.30877
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length993 ft (302.7 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2020)
Projected traffic3,330 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River?

The structure is 993 ft (302.7 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 50 Ml over Lake Fk Gunnsion River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.