US Bridges

FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 1.50 MI S of Bu 83 · Structure no. 211090086105008

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
243 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,190
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 68 years old, older 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 4,190 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,960 by 2033. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 491
CrossesArroyo Colorado
Location1.50 MI S of Bu 83
RouteState Highway 491
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.12782, -97.90154
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,190 (2024)
Projected traffic10,960 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado 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 Arroyo Colorado carry?

About 4,190 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns FM 491 over Arroyo Colorado?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.