US Bridges

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Colfax County, New Mexico · 11.6 MI E of JCT NM-39 · Structure no. 000000000006615

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
95 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
497
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-56 over Unnamed Waterway in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 497 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 675 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.1 mi (145 km).

CarriesUS-56
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location11.6 MI E of JCT NM-39
RouteU.S. Route 56
Coordinates36.3052, -104.05215
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2021
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 rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length95 ft (29 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 traffic497 (2023)
Projected traffic675 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed90.1 mi (145 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 US-56 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway 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 June 2021.

How much traffic does US-56 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 497 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.