US Bridges

SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

Iron County, Utah · 0.5 Mi.East of Modena · Structure no. 0C 307

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,016
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad in Iron County, Utah. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Utah average of 40.1 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 1,016 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,219 by 2037. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-56
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location0.5 Mi.East of Modena
RouteState Highway 56
CountyIron County
StateUtah
Coordinates37.80139, -113.91667
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck99 ft (30.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,016 (2017)
Projected traffic1,219 by 2037
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 1,016 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR-56 over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.