US Bridges

NM-185 over Irrigation Canal

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 13.7 M N of 70/LAS Cruces · Structure no. 000000000003249

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,793
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-185 over Irrigation Canal is a concrete culvert carrying NM-185 over Irrigation Canal in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1933, 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 1,793 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,438 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-185
CrossesIrrigation Canal
Location13.7 M N of 70/LAS Cruces
RouteState Highway 185
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.48003, -106.9212
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,793 (2023)
Projected traffic2,438 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$16,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-185 over Irrigation Canal built?

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

What condition is NM-185 over 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NM-185 over Irrigation Canal carry?

About 1,793 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-185 over Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns NM-185 over Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.