US Bridges

US-491 over Vega Wash

Fair

San Juan County, Utah · 3.9 Mi. E. of Monticello · Structure no. 0V2104

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Other
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,551
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-491 over Vega Wash is a other culvert carrying US-491 over Vega Wash in San Juan County, Utah. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,551 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,261 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS-491
CrossesVega Wash
Location3.9 Mi. E. of Monticello
RouteU.S. Route 491
StateUtah
Coordinates37.87278, -109.28028
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating103.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialOther
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,551 (2022)
Projected traffic4,261 by 2042
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US-491 over Vega Wash built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-491 over Vega 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 US-491 over Vega Wash carry?

About 3,551 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is US-491 over Vega Wash?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns US-491 over Vega Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.