US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

Guadalupe County, New Mexico · 19.5 M E JCT I-40/US-84 · Structure no. 000000000007192

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,120
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 53 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 20,120 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,363 by 2043. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location19.5 M E JCT I-40/US-84
RouteInterstate 40
CountyGuadalupe County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.94741, -104.67829
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,120 (2023)
Projected traffic27,363 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 20,120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.