US Bridges

US-70 over Falsey Draw

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 41.4 M NE of JCT US-285 · Structure no. 000000000002301

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
88 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,847
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Falsey Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Falsey Draw in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 87 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 1,847 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,511 by 2043. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long.

CarriesUS-70
CrossesFalsey Draw
Location41.4 M NE of JCT US-285
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates33.77178, -103.90737
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,847 (2023)
Projected traffic2,511 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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-70 over Falsey Draw built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US-70 over Falsey Draw 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US-70 over Falsey Draw carry?

About 1,847 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Falsey Draw?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-70 over Falsey Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.