US Bridges

SR-163 over Comb Wash

Fair

San Juan County, Utah · 7 Miles West of Bluff · Structure no. 0C 479

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
216 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
840
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-163 over Comb Wash is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR-163 over Comb Wash in San Juan County, Utah. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5 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 840 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,008 by 2042. The structure is 216 ft (65.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-163
CrossesComb Wash
Location7 Miles West of Bluff
RouteState Highway 163
CountySan Juan County
StateUtah
Coordinates37.26733, -109.67469
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length216 ft (65.7 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic840 (2022)
Projected traffic1,008 by 2042
Trucks27%
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 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-163 over Comb Wash built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-163 over Comb Wash 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 Comb Wash carry?

About 840 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SR-163 over Comb Wash?

The structure is 216 ft (65.7 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR-163 over Comb Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.