US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR

Good

Cibola County, New Mexico · 5.3 MI W of I-40 EXIT-79 · Structure no. 000000000007254

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
152 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,581
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR in Cibola County, New Mexico. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 54 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 23,581 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,070 by 2043. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesBluewater Creek & CR
Location5.3 MI W of I-40 EXIT-79
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCibola County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.2436, -107.9574
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,581 (2023)
Projected traffic32,070 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$340,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR carry?

About 23,581 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek & CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.