US Bridges

SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw

Fair

Jefferson County, Colorado · 3.4 MI S of JCT SH 470 · Structure no. F-16-IA

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
22,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw in Jefferson County, Colorado. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 22,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,620 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long and 158 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesSH 121 Ml
CrossesBurns Draw
Location3.4 MI S of JCT SH 470
RouteState Highway 121B
Coordinates39.52753, -105.09462
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating69.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width158 ft (48.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,000 (2020)
Projected traffic26,620 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 121 Ml over Burns Draw built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw carry?

About 22,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m) and a deck 158 ft wide.

Who owns SH 121 Ml over Burns Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.