US Bridges

NM-12 over Apache Creek

Fair

Catron County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI W of NM-32_& NM-12 · Structure no. 000000000005628

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
187 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
708
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-12 over Apache Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-12 over Apache Creek in Catron County, New Mexico. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 708 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 962 by 2043. The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-12
CrossesApache Creek
Location0.1 MI W of NM-32_& NM-12
RouteState Highway 12
CountyCatron County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.83334, -108.62391
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length187 ft (57 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic708 (2023)
Projected traffic962 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-12 over Apache Creek built?

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

What condition is NM-12 over Apache Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does NM-12 over Apache Creek carry?

About 708 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-12 over Apache Creek?

The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NM-12 over Apache Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.