US Bridges

US-285 over Walnut Canyon

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 11.2 MI N of US82/ARTESIA · Structure no. 000000000006635

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,811
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Walnut Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying US-285 over Walnut Canyon in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 9,811 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,342 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long.

CarriesUS-285
CrossesWalnut Canyon
Location11.2 MI N of US82/ARTESIA
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates32.9924, -104.4398
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,811 (2023)
Projected traffic13,342 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Walnut Canyon built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-285 over Walnut Canyon 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US-285 over Walnut Canyon carry?

About 9,811 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Walnut Canyon?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US-285 over Walnut Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.