US Bridges

NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande

Fair

Bernalillo County, New Mexico · 1.9 MI W of JCT I-25 · Structure no. 000000000008568

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,415 ft
25 main spans
Daily traffic
72,734
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the New Mexico average of 51.5 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 72,734 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 98,918 by 2043. The structure is 1,415 ft (431.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-500 Wbl
CrossesRio Grande
Location1.9 MI W of JCT I-25
RouteState Highway 500
CountyBernalillo County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.02716, -106.67178
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans25
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,415 ft (431.3 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72,734 (2023)
Projected traffic98,918 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande 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 2024.

How much traffic does NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande carry?

About 72,734 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande?

The structure is 1,415 ft (431.3 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns NM-500 Wbl over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.