US Bridges

US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek

Fair

Ouray County, Colorado · 3 MI N of Ouray · Structure no. L-06-G

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,800
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek in Ouray County, Colorado. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,992 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 550 Ml
CrossesCutler Creek
Location3 MI N of Ouray
RouteU.S. Route 550B
CountyOuray County
StateColorado
Coordinates38.08513, -107.70384
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2020)
Projected traffic4,992 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$179,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 550 Ml over Cutler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.