US Bridges

15-524 over Southern Canal

Fair

Eddy County, New Mexico · 1.4 MI W of US62/CARLSBAD · Structure no. 000000000001916

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,913
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

15-524 over Southern Canal is a concrete slab carrying 15-524 over Southern Canal in Eddy County, New Mexico. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 9,913 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,481 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries15-524
CrossesSouthern Canal
Location1.4 MI W of US62/CARLSBAD
RouteState Highway 15524
CountyEddy County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.41451, -104.2526
Functional classUrban 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
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,913 (2023)
Projected traffic13,481 by 2043
Trucks5%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 15-524 over Southern Canal built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is 15-524 over Southern Canal 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does 15-524 over Southern Canal carry?

About 9,913 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 15-524 over Southern Canal?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns 15-524 over Southern Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.