US Bridges

SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek

Fair

San Juan County, Utah · West of Aneth · Structure no. 0D 710

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
154 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,114
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek in San Juan County, Utah. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 2,114 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,537 by 2041. The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-162
CrossesMcelmo Creek
LocationWest of Aneth
RouteState Highway 162
CountySan Juan County
StateUtah
Coordinates37.21834, -109.19084
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length154 ft (46.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,114 (2021)
Projected traffic2,537 by 2041
Trucks32%
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-162 over Mcelmo Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek 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-162 over Mcelmo Creek carry?

About 2,114 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek?

The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR-162 over Mcelmo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.