US Bridges

US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande

Good

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 1.7 MI W of NM-185/CRUCES · Structure no. 000000000008818

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
568 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,244
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger than the New Mexico average of 51.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,244 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,211 by 2043. The structure is 568 ft (173.1 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS-70 Wbl/Ebl
CrossesRio Grande
Location1.7 MI W of NM-185/CRUCES
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates32.3104, -106.82767
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length568 ft (173.1 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.1 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,244 (2023)
Projected traffic11,211 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande carry?

About 8,244 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande?

The structure is 568 ft (173.1 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns US-70 Wbl/Ebl over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.