US Bridges

NM-15 over Gila River

Fair

Grant County, New Mexico · 12.5 M N JCT NM-35/NM-15 · Structure no. 000000000006395

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
177 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
226
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-15 over Gila River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-15 over Gila River 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 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 226 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 307 by 2043. The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-15
CrossesGila River
Location12.5 M N JCT NM-35/NM-15
RouteState Highway 15
CountyGrant County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.1799, -108.20652
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length177 ft (53.9 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic226 (2023)
Projected traffic307 by 2043
Trucks10%
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

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$335,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-15 over Gila River built?

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

What condition is NM-15 over Gila 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does NM-15 over Gila River carry?

About 226 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NM-15 over Gila River?

The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NM-15 over Gila River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.