US Bridges

NM-556 over North Diversion Channel

Good

Bernalillo County, New Mexico · 2.24 MI W of I-25 · Structure no. 000000000006651

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
555 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
8,882
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-556 over North Diversion Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-556 over North Diversion Channel in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 59 years old, older than the New Mexico average of 51.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,882 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,079 by 2043. The structure is 555 ft (169.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesNM-556
CrossesNorth Diversion Channel
Location2.24 MI W of I-25
RouteState Highway 556
Coordinates35.20901, -106.6062
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length555 ft (169.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,882 (2023)
Projected traffic12,079 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-556 over North Diversion Channel built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is NM-556 over North Diversion Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does NM-556 over North Diversion Channel carry?

About 8,882 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-556 over North Diversion Channel?

The structure is 555 ft (169.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns NM-556 over North Diversion Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.