US Bridges

I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River

Fair

Mesa County, Colorado · Just E of Debeque Tunnel · Structure no. H-03-BP

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
989 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River in Mesa County, Colorado. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,880 by 2040. The structure is 989 ft (301.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI 70 Ml Wbnd
CrossesColorado River
LocationJust E of Debeque Tunnel
RouteInterstate 70A
Coordinates39.19654, -108.26917
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length989 ft (301.4 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2020)
Projected traffic10,880 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River?

The structure is 989 ft (301.4 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I 70 Ml Wbnd over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.