US Bridges

FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal

Good

Hidalgo County, Texas · 0.29 MI N of US 83 · Structure no. 211090086101015

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,132
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal is a concrete culvert carrying FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11,132 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,870 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesFM 491 (ne Str)
CrossesMercedes Main Canal
Location0.29 MI N of US 83
RouteState Highway 491
StateTexas
Coordinates26.15901, -97.91052
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,132 (2020)
Projected traffic11,870 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal carry?

About 11,132 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns FM 491 (ne Str) over Mercedes Main Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.