US Bridges

US 550 Ml over Gulch B

Good

La Plata County, Colorado · 0.3 MI S of US160 · Structure no. P-05-BA

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
250 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 550 Ml over Gulch B is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 550 Ml over Gulch B in La Plata County, Colorado. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: new structure not yet open to traffic.

It carries about 7,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,430 by 2042. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 550 Ml
CrossesGulch B
Location0.3 MI S of US160
RouteU.S. Route 550A
Coordinates37.22448, -107.842
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusNew structure not yet open to traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span135 ft (41 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,800 (2022)
Projected traffic9,430 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US 550 Ml over Gulch B built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 550 Ml over Gulch B in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does US 550 Ml over Gulch B carry?

About 7,800 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is US 550 Ml over Gulch B?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns US 550 Ml over Gulch B?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.