US Bridges

US 85 Ml over Draw

Fair

Weld County, Colorado · 0.5 MI N of Pierce @ CR90 · Structure no. B-17-AZ

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
85 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 Ml over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 85 Ml over Draw in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 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 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,552 by 2040. The structure is 85 ft (25.8 m) long and 113 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 85 Ml
CrossesDraw
Location0.5 MI N of Pierce @ CR90
RouteU.S. Route 85L
Coordinates40.64029, -104.75405
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.1 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (25.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width113 ft (34.4 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2020)
Projected traffic6,552 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 Ml over Draw built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 85 Ml over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 85 Ml over Draw?

The structure is 85 ft (25.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 113 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 Ml over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.