US Bridges

US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash

Fair

San Juan County, New Mexico · 23.6 Misouth JCT US 64/49 · Structure no. 000000000008211

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
131 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,932
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 7,932 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,787 by 2043. The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-491
CrossesPena Blanca Wash
Location23.6 Misouth JCT US 64/49
RouteU.S. Route 491
Coordinates36.44022, -108.72156
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length131 ft (39.8 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,932 (2023)
Projected traffic10,787 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 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$455,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash 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 US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash carry?

About 7,932 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash?

The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US-491 over Pena Blanca Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.