US Bridges

NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal

Fair

Colfax County, New Mexico · 2.9 MI S of JCT US-64 · Structure no. 000000000008242

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
44
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal is a concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal in Colfax County, New Mexico. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 44 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 59 by 2043. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-505
CrossesVermajo Irrigation Canal
Location2.9 MI S of JCT US-64
RouteState Highway 505
CountyColfax County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.5722, -104.69697
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.7 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2023)
Projected traffic59 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-505 over Vermajo 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NM-505 over Vermajo Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.