US Bridges

NM-445 over Irrigation Canal

Fair

Colfax County, New Mexico · 3.0 MI N of JCT NM-505 · Structure no. 000000000004948

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
116
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-445 over Irrigation Canal is a concrete culvert carrying NM-445 over Irrigation Canal in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 116 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 157 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-445
CrossesIrrigation Canal
Location3.0 MI N of JCT NM-505
RouteState Highway 445
CountyColfax County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.58666, -104.54197
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic116 (2023)
Projected traffic157 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$149,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-445 over Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-445 over Irrigation Canal 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NM-445 over Irrigation Canal carry?

About 116 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-445 over Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NM-445 over Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.