US Bridges

NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 0.8 MI SW of JCT NM-187 · Structure no. 000000000007043

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
155 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,745
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo is a concrete continuous slab carrying NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 2,745 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,733 by 2043. The structure is 155 ft (47.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-26
CrossesPlacitas Arroyo
Location0.8 MI SW of JCT NM-187
RouteState Highway 26
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.66186, -107.1727
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length155 ft (47.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,745 (2023)
Projected traffic3,733 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$479,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-26 over Placitas 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo carry?

About 2,745 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo?

The structure is 155 ft (47.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NM-26 over Placitas Arroyo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.