US Bridges

IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River

Fair

Apache County, Arizona · 0.1 MI S of JCT SR 260 · Structure no. 01040

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
378
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River in Apache County, Arizona. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 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 378 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 388 by 2042. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.8 mi (77 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR SR 261
CrossesLittle Colorado River
Location0.1 MI S of JCT SR 260
RouteState Highway 261
CountyApache County
StateArizona
Coordinates34.1035, -109.3431
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic378 (2024)
Projected traffic388 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.8 mi (77 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River carry?

About 378 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns IRR SR 261 over Little Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.