US Bridges

US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 4.3 MI North of Nunn · Structure no. A-17-B

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,348 by 2040. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 85 Ml
CrossesLone Tree Creek
Location4.3 MI North of Nunn
RouteU.S. Route 85L
Coordinates40.76492, -104.79131
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 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 rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2020)
Projected traffic6,348 by 2040
Trucks17%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 Ml over Lone Tree 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 Ml over Lone Tree Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.