US Bridges

US-285 over Soapberry Draw

Good

Eddy County, New Mexico · 8.9 M N JCT US62/CARLSBAD · Structure no. 000000000005563

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
141 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,540
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Soapberry Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US-285 over Soapberry Draw in Eddy County, New Mexico. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 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 13,540 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,414 by 2043. The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long.

CarriesUS-285
CrossesSoapberry Draw
Location8.9 M N JCT US62/CARLSBAD
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates32.48645, -104.3331
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length141 ft (43 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,540 (2023)
Projected traffic18,414 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$124,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Soapberry Draw built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-285 over Soapberry Draw 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 2025.

How much traffic does US-285 over Soapberry Draw carry?

About 13,540 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Soapberry Draw?

The structure is 141 ft (43 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US-285 over Soapberry Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.