US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek

Fair

Guadalupe County, New Mexico · 0.45 MI E of JCT NM-129 · Structure no. 000000000006383

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,086
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek in Guadalupe 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 18,086 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,596 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesPajarito Creek
Location0.45 MI E of JCT NM-129
RouteInterstate 40
CountyGuadalupe County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.06668, -104.25939
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,086 (2023)
Projected traffic24,596 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek built?

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

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Pajarito 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek carry?

About 18,086 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Pajarito Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.