US Bridges

NM-12 over Canon Del Buey

Fair

Catron County, New Mexico · 10.8 M E JCT NM-12/NM-32 · Structure no. 000000000005629

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
340
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-12 over Canon Del Buey is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying NM-12 over Canon Del Buey in Catron County, New Mexico. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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 340 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 462 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-12
CrossesCanon Del Buey
Location10.8 M E JCT NM-12/NM-32
RouteState Highway 12
CountyCatron County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.91313, -108.4983
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic340 (2023)
Projected traffic462 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$710,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-12 over Canon Del Buey built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-12 over Canon Del Buey 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NM-12 over Canon Del Buey carry?

About 340 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-12 over Canon Del Buey?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NM-12 over Canon Del Buey?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.