US Bridges

IRR/US-491 over Sheep Springs Wash

Good

San Juan County, New Mexico · 0.2 MI S of NM-134 · Structure no. 000000000007865

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,936
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/US-491 over Sheep Springs Wash is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/US-491 over Sheep Springs Wash in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesIRR/US-491
CrossesSheep Springs Wash
Location0.2 MI S of NM-134
RouteU.S. Route 491
Coordinates36.14281, -108.70699
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.8 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 traffic5,936 (2023)
Projected traffic8,072 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
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$545,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR/US-491 over Sheep Springs Wash built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR/US-491 over Sheep 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 January 2024.

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

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

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

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.