US Bridges

SR-163 over San Juan River

Fair

San Juan County, Utah · At Mexican Hat · Structure no. 0C 274

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
228 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,281
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-163 over San Juan River is a steel arch - thru carrying SR-163 over San Juan River in San Juan County, Utah. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 72 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 2,281 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,737 by 2037. The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-163
CrossesSan Juan River
LocationAt Mexican Hat
RouteState Highway 163
CountySan Juan County
StateUtah
Coordinates37.15061, -109.86782
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length228 ft (69.6 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,281 (2017)
Projected traffic2,737 by 2037
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR-163 over San Juan River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SR-163 over San Juan River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR-163 over San Juan River carry?

About 2,281 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SR-163 over San Juan River?

The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR-163 over San Juan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.