US Bridges

NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 15.7 MI S JCT US82/DUNKEN · Structure no. 000000000005591

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 108 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-24
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location15.7 MI S JCT US82/DUNKEN
RouteState Highway 24
CountyChaves County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.68277, -105.25741
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.8 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2023)
Projected traffic108 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$51,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-24 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.