US Bridges

IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash

Good

McKinley County, New Mexico · 36.5 MI N of Jc I-40 · Structure no. 000000000009794

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,936
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 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 5,936 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,072 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 171 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesIRR/US-491
CrossesSalt Springs Wash
Location36.5 MI N of Jc I-40
RouteU.S. Route 491
Coordinates35.99583, -108.65639
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width171 ft (52.1 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,936 (2023)
Projected traffic8,072 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash carry?

About 5,936 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 171 ft wide.

Who owns IRR/US-491 over Salt Springs Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.