US Bridges

US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon

Fair

Eddy County, New Mexico · 1.2 M N of S JCT US62/180 · Structure no. 000000000005801

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
481 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
29,351
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon in Eddy County, New Mexico. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2015, 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 5 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 29,351 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,917 by 2043. The structure is 481 ft (146.6 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-62/180/285
CrossesDark Canyon
Location1.2 M N of S JCT US62/180
RouteU.S. Route 62
CountyEddy County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.40633, -104.22664
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length481 ft (146.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,351 (2023)
Projected traffic39,917 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$2.8 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon 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 2024.

How much traffic does US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon carry?

About 29,351 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon?

The structure is 481 ft (146.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US-62/180/285 over Dark Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.