US Bridges

NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga

Fair

Dona Ana County, New Mexico · 4.65 MI E of NM-28 · Structure no. 000000000009450

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,514
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga is a concrete culvert carrying NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 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 8,514 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,579 by 2043. The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-101
CrossesDripping Springs Tortuga
Location4.65 MI E of NM-28
RouteState Highway 101
CountyDona Ana County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.29684, -106.72292
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length101 ft (30.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,514 (2023)
Projected traffic11,579 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga carry?

About 8,514 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga?

The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m).

Who owns NM-101 over Dripping Springs Tortuga?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.