US Bridges

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Chaves County, New Mexico · 4.5 M NE of US-285/ROSWEL · Structure no. 000000000005550

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1949
Condition
Good
inspected March 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,198
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Unnamed Waterway in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1949, so it is 77 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 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 2,198 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,989 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long.

CarriesUS-70
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location4.5 M NE of US-285/ROSWEL
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates33.51281, -104.46103
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMarch 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,198 (2023)
Projected traffic2,989 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$707,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1949.

What condition is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway 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 March 2022.

How much traffic does US-70 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 2,198 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.