US Bridges

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 0.45 MI NW of JCT NM-20 · Structure no. 000000000002306

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
3,906
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-285 over Unnamed Waterway in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 88 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 3,906 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,312 by 2043. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long.

CarriesUS-285
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location0.45 MI NW of JCT NM-20
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates33.92345, -104.60849
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 inspectionAugust 2021
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 rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,906 (2023)
Projected traffic5,312 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$221,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway 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 August 2021.

How much traffic does US-285 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 3,906 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.