US Bridges

NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl

Fair

Colfax County, New Mexico · 1.0 MI N of JCT US-64/87 · Structure no. 000000000006209

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
222 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
744
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 744 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,011 by 2043. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-72
CrossesI-25 Nbl/Sbl
Location1.0 MI N of JCT US-64/87
RouteState Highway 72
CountyColfax County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.90033, -104.42486
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic744 (2023)
Projected traffic1,011 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$527,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl 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 2024.

How much traffic does NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl carry?

About 744 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NM-72 over I-25 Nbl/Sbl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.