US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad

Fair

Cibola County, New Mexico · 16.46 MI E of JCT NM-117 · Structure no. 000000000006489

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
266 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,149
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad in Cibola County, New Mexico. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 5 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 28,149 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,282 by 2043. The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesBNSF Railroad
Location16.46 MI E of JCT NM-117
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCibola County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.04676, -107.5058
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length266 ft (81.1 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,149 (2023)
Projected traffic38,282 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad carry?

About 28,149 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad?

The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.