US Bridges

US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon

Good

Catron County, New Mexico · 6.0 MI S of JCT NM-12 · Structure no. 000000000008477

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
533
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon is a steel culvert carrying US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon in Catron County, New Mexico. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 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 533 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 724 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-180
CrossesCottonwood Canyon
Location6.0 MI S of JCT NM-12
RouteU.S. Route 180
Coordinates33.61913, -108.89395
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic533 (2023)
Projected traffic724 by 2043
Trucks12%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon carry?

About 533 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m).

Who owns US-180 over Cottonwood Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.