US Bridges

US-285 over Salt Creek

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 8.0 MI N JCT US-70/285 · Structure no. 000000000008442

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,591
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Salt Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-285 over Salt Creek in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 3,591 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,883 by 2043. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 40 ft wide.

CarriesUS-285
CrossesSalt Creek
Location8.0 MI N JCT US-70/285
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates33.58812, -104.52105
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,591 (2023)
Projected traffic4,883 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$594,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-285 over Salt Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does US-285 over Salt Creek carry?

About 3,591 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Salt Creek?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US-285 over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.