US Bridges

US-491 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

McKinley County, New Mexico · 7.1 MI N of I-40 · Structure no. 000000000008702

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
21,189
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-491 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-491 over Unnamed Waterway in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the New Mexico average of 51.5 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 21,189 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,817 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-491
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location7.1 MI N of I-40
RouteU.S. Route 491
Coordinates35.62399, -108.78049
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,189 (2023)
Projected traffic28,817 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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-491 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-491 over Unnamed Waterway 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 US-491 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 21,189 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-491 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-491 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.