US Bridges

NM-15 over Copperas Canyon

Fair

Grant County, New Mexico · 1.7 MI N of JCT NM-35 · Structure no. 000000000006434

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
226
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-15 over Copperas Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying NM-15 over Copperas Canyon 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 226 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 307 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-15
CrossesCopperas Canyon
Location1.7 MI N of JCT NM-35
RouteState Highway 15
CountyGrant County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.06175, -108.21019
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-15 over Copperas Canyon built?

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

What condition is NM-15 over Copperas 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NM-15 over Copperas Canyon carry?

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

How long is NM-15 over Copperas Canyon?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-15 over Copperas Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.