US Bridges

US-70 over Pecos River Overflow

Fair

Chaves County, New Mexico · 10.5 MI N of US-285 · Structure no. 000000000010076

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,198
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Pecos River Overflow is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Pecos River Overflow in Chaves County, New Mexico. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 2,198 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,989 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long.

CarriesUS-70
CrossesPecos River Overflow
Location10.5 MI N of US-285
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates33.56645, -104.38166
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 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 traffic2,198 (2023)
Projected traffic2,989 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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-70 over Pecos River Overflow built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-70 over Pecos River Overflow 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US-70 over Pecos River Overflow carry?

About 2,198 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Pecos River Overflow?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US-70 over Pecos River Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.