US Bridges

NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 2.1 MI N of JCT NM-140 · Structure no. 000000000005241

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,376
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 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 1,376 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,871 by 2043. The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-185
CrossesMontezuma Arroyo
Location2.1 MI N of JCT NM-140
RouteState Highway 185
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.65136, -107.11094
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,376 (2023)
Projected traffic1,871 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$138,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo carry?

About 1,376 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo?

The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns NM-185 over Montezuma Arroyo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.