US Bridges

US-491 over Malpais Arroyo

Fair

San Juan County, New Mexico · US 491 Mm 102.01 · Structure no. 000000000007090

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,224
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-491 over Malpais Arroyo is a concrete culvert carrying US-491 over Malpais Arroyo in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the New Mexico average of 51.5 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 4,224 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,744 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-491
CrossesMalpais Arroyo
LocationUS 491 Mm 102.01
RouteU.S. Route 491
Coordinates36.92564, -108.72528
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 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 traffic4,224 (2023)
Projected traffic5,744 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$265,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-491 over Malpais Arroyo built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-491 over Malpais Arroyo 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US-491 over Malpais Arroyo carry?

About 4,224 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-491 over Malpais Arroyo?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-491 over Malpais Arroyo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.