US Bridges

NM-21 over Moras Creek

Fair

Colfax County, New Mexico · 12.8 MI S of JCT US-64 · Structure no. 000000000001191

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
103
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-21 over Moras Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-21 over Moras Creek in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 103 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

CarriesNM-21
CrossesMoras Creek
Location12.8 MI S of JCT US-64
RouteState Highway 21
Coordinates36.34626, -104.93464
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic103 (2023)
Projected traffic140 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NM-21 over Moras Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-21 over Moras 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does NM-21 over Moras Creek carry?

About 103 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-21 over Moras Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NM-21 over Moras Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.