US Bridges

NM-189 over Rio Grande

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI E of JCT NM-28 · Structure no. 000000000004551

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
476 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
3,062
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-189 over Rio Grande is a concrete tee beam carrying NM-189 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 3,062 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,164 by 2043. The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-189
CrossesRio Grande
Location0.9 MI E of JCT NM-28
RouteState Highway 189
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.11351, -106.66879
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 15
Structure length476 ft (145.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,062 (2023)
Projected traffic4,164 by 2043
Trucks11%
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

OwnerState 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$837,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-189 over Rio Grande built?

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

What condition is NM-189 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 2024.

How much traffic does NM-189 over Rio Grande carry?

About 3,062 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-189 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns NM-189 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.