US Bridges

Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River

Fair

Washington County, Utah · From South Entrance Go 0 · Structure no. 1590002S0000000

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2013 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River in Washington 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2033. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatchman Residence
CrossesNorth Fork Virgin River
LocationFrom South Entrance Go 0
RouteFederal Lands Road 401
CountyWashington County
StateUtah
Coordinates37.20531, -112.9791
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2013)
Projected traffic75 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$225,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River built?

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

What condition is Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Watchman Residence over North Fork Virgin River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.