US Bridges

IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon

Fair

Cibola County, New Mexico · 14.0 MI E of JCT NM-53 · Structure no. 000000000006886

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
27,706
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon in Cibola County, New Mexico. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 27,706 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,680 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl
CrossesTafoya Canyon
Location14.0 MI E of JCT NM-53
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCibola County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.07266, -107.66474
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.9 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 traffic27,706 (2023)
Projected traffic37,680 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya 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 December 2021.

How much traffic does IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon carry?

About 27,706 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon?

The structure is 65 ft (19.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns IRR/I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Tafoya Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.