US Bridges

15-012 over Penasco River

Fair

Eddy County, New Mexico · 1.1 MI S JCT US-82/HOPE · Structure no. 000000000005725

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
245 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
481
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

15-012 over Penasco River is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 15-012 over Penasco River in Eddy County, New Mexico. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 69 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 481 vehicles a day, projected to reach 654 by 2043. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries15-012
CrossesPenasco River
Location1.1 MI S JCT US-82/HOPE
RouteCounty Highway 15012
CountyEddy County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.79529, -104.73951
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic481 (2023)
Projected traffic654 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$882,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 15-012 over Penasco River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is 15-012 over Penasco River 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 15-012 over Penasco River carry?

About 481 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 15-012 over Penasco River?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 15-012 over Penasco River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.