US Bridges

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 6.1 M E NM-185/LAS Cruces · Structure no. 000000000002969

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
47,762
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Unnamed Waterway in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 92 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 6 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 47,762 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 64,956 by 2043. The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-70
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location6.1 M E NM-185/LAS Cruces
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates32.38243, -106.72253
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.7 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 traffic47,762 (2023)
Projected traffic64,956 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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-70 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US-70 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 47,762 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.