US Bridges

NM-24 over Penasco River

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 0.2 MI S of US-82/DUNKEN · Structure no. 000000000005719

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
127 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-24 over Penasco River is a concrete channel beam carrying NM-24 over Penasco River in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 108 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-24
CrossesPenasco River
Location0.2 MI S of US-82/DUNKEN
RouteState Highway 24
CountyChaves County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.88146, -105.17823
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 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 closed21.1 mi (34 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$205,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-24 over Penasco River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-24 over Penasco River 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NM-24 over Penasco River carry?

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

How long is NM-24 over Penasco River?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-24 over Penasco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.