US Bridges

NM-359 over Rio Grande

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 1.9 MI W of NM-28/NM-359 · Structure no. 000000000006255

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
499 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,360
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-359 over Rio Grande is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-359 over Rio Grande in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,360 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,209 by 2043. The structure is 499 ft (152.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-359
CrossesRio Grande
Location1.9 MI W of NM-28/NM-359
RouteState Highway 359
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.2637, -106.8251
Functional classUrban 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
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length499 ft (152.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,360 (2023)
Projected traffic3,209 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-359 over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-359 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does NM-359 over Rio Grande carry?

About 2,360 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NM-359 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 499 ft (152.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NM-359 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.