US Bridges

US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon

Fair

Grant County, New Mexico · 18.8 MI W of JCT NM90 · Structure no. 000000000006671

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
109 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,386
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon in Grant County, New Mexico. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 1,386 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,884 by 2043. The structure is 109 ft (33.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-180
CrossesBlacksmith Canyon
Location18.8 MI W of JCT NM90
RouteU.S. Route 180
CountyGrant County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.851, -108.51778
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length109 ft (33.3 m)
Longest span46 ft (14.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,386 (2023)
Projected traffic1,884 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$251,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-180 over Blacksmith 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon carry?

About 1,386 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon?

The structure is 109 ft (33.3 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US-180 over Blacksmith Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.