US Bridges

NM-15 over Sapillo Creek

Fair

Grant County, New Mexico · 0.5 MI S of JCT NM-35 · Structure no. 000000000006287

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
241
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-15 over Sapillo Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying NM-15 over Sapillo Creek in Grant County, New Mexico. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 241 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 327 by 2043. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-15
CrossesSapillo Creek
Location0.5 MI S of JCT NM-35
RouteState Highway 15
CountyGrant County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.04079, -108.21762
Functional classRural 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic241 (2023)
Projected traffic327 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$300,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-15 over Sapillo Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-15 over Sapillo Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NM-15 over Sapillo Creek carry?

About 241 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-15 over Sapillo Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NM-15 over Sapillo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.