US Bridges

NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 2.3 MI S of US-82/DUNKEN · Structure no. 000000000005720

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete channel beam carrying NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway 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 76 ft (23.2 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
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location2.3 MI S of US-82/DUNKEN
RouteState Highway 24
CountyChaves County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.85628, -105.18902
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 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$123,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 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 June 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 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-24 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.