US Bridges

NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Colfax County, New Mexico · 14.5 MI E of JCT I-25 · Structure no. 000000000003027

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
136
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 136 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 184 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesNM-72
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location14.5 MI E of JCT I-25
RouteState Highway 72
Coordinates36.91423, -104.23963
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic136 (2023)
Projected traffic184 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway 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 2021.

How much traffic does NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 136 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NM-72 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.