US Bridges

US-60 over Armstrong Canyon

Fair

Catron County, New Mexico · 29.3 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000004293

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
863
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-60 over Armstrong Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying US-60 over Armstrong Canyon in Catron County, New Mexico. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 84 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 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 863 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,173 by 2043. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-60
CrossesArmstrong Canyon
Location29.3 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteU.S. Route 60
CountyCatron County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.32134, -108.57734
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic863 (2023)
Projected traffic1,173 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$160,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-60 over Armstrong Canyon built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is US-60 over Armstrong Canyon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US-60 over Armstrong Canyon carry?

About 863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-60 over Armstrong Canyon?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US-60 over Armstrong Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.