US Bridges

SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande

Fair

Mineral County, Colorado · 2.5 MI SE of Creede · Structure no. M-09-E

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
196 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande in Mineral County, Colorado. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,540 by 2040. The structure is 196 ft (59.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 149 Ml
CrossesRio Grande
Location2.5 MI SE of Creede
RouteState Highway 149A
CountyMineral County
StateColorado
Coordinates37.82179, -106.88942
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.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 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 rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length196 ft (59.6 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2020)
Projected traffic1,540 by 2040
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande?

The structure is 196 ft (59.6 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SH 149 Ml over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.