US Bridges

US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch

Poor

Routt County, Colorado · E Edge of Hayden · Structure no. C-08-A_MINOR

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch is a concrete slab carrying US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch in Routt County, Colorado. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,040 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 40 Ml
CrossesShelton Ditch
LocationE Edge of Hayden
RouteU.S. Route 40A
CountyRoutt County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.4972, -107.2464
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,400 (2020)
Projected traffic7,040 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$955,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch carry?

About 6,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 40 Ml over Shelton Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.