US Bridges

NM-226 over Rio Grande

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI E of JCT NM-28 · Structure no. 000000000004283

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
476 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
1,358
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-226 over Rio Grande is a concrete tee beam carrying NM-226 over Rio Grande in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,358 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,846 by 2043. The structure is 476 ft (145 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-226
CrossesRio Grande
Location0.9 MI E of JCT NM-28
RouteState Highway 226
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.06556, -106.66319
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 15
Structure length476 ft (145 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,358 (2023)
Projected traffic1,846 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$816,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-226 over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-226 over Rio Grande 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-226 over Rio Grande carry?

About 1,358 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NM-226 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 476 ft (145 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns NM-226 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.