US Bridges

FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 3.30 MI N of US 83 · Structure no. 211090086101012

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
180 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,704
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 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 2,704 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,300 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 491
CrossesN Floodway Pilot Channel
Location3.30 MI N of US 83
RouteState Highway 491
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.20361, -97.91097
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,704 (2020)
Projected traffic3,300 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel built?

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

What condition is FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel carry?

About 2,704 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 491 over N Floodway Pilot Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.