US Bridges

US-62/180 over Southern Canal

Fair

Eddy County, New Mexico · O.15 S of JCT US-285 · Structure no. 000000000005750

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,160
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-62/180 over Southern Canal is a concrete frame carrying US-62/180 over Southern Canal in Eddy County, New Mexico. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 21,160 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,777 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-62/180
CrossesSouthern Canal
LocationO.15 S of JCT US-285
RouteU.S. Route 62
CountyEddy County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.38811, -104.22044
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,160 (2023)
Projected traffic28,777 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$276,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-62/180 over Southern Canal built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-62/180 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US-62/180 over Southern Canal carry?

About 21,160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-62/180 over Southern Canal?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns US-62/180 over Southern Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.