US Bridges

NM-91 over Pecos River

Fair

Guadalupe County, New Mexico · 10.26 MI SE of LOOP-35 · Structure no. 000000000005707

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
712 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
777
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-91 over Pecos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-91 over Pecos River in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 777 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,056 by 2043. The structure is 712 ft (217 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-91
CrossesPecos River
Location10.26 MI SE of LOOP-35
RouteState Highway 91
CountyGuadalupe County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.82671, -104.62571
Functional classRural Minor 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.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 15
Structure length712 ft (217 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic777 (2023)
Projected traffic1,056 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-91 over Pecos River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-91 over Pecos 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NM-91 over Pecos River carry?

About 777 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-91 over Pecos River?

The structure is 712 ft (217 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-91 over Pecos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.