US Bridges

SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek

Good

Weld County, Colorado · 4.5 MI S of Prospect Vall · Structure no. D-19-T

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
85 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek in Weld County, Colorado. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,694 by 2040. The structure is 85 ft (26 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSH 79 Ml
CrossesWest Sand Creek
Location4.5 MI S of Prospect Vall
RouteState Highway 79B
Coordinates40.00716, -104.41452
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (26 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2020)
Projected traffic1,694 by 2040
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 79 Ml over West Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2021.

How much traffic does SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (26 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 Ml over West Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.