US Bridges

NM-21 over Cimarron River

Good

Colfax County, New Mexico · 0.3 MI S of JCT US-64 · Structure no. 000000000005696

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
103
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-21 over Cimarron River is a concrete culvert carrying NM-21 over Cimarron River in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 103 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

CarriesNM-21
CrossesCimarron River
Location0.3 MI S of JCT US-64
RouteState Highway 21
Coordinates36.5069, -104.9203
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed55.3 mi (89 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-21 over Cimarron River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-21 over Cimarron River 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 2022.

How much traffic does NM-21 over Cimarron River carry?

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

How long is NM-21 over Cimarron River?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-21 over Cimarron River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.