US Bridges

US-54 over Nogal Canyon

Good

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 2.6 MI N of US-380/CARRIZ · Structure no. 000000000002065

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
165 ft
24 main spans
Daily traffic
2,374
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54 over Nogal Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying US-54 over Nogal Canyon in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,374 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,228 by 2043. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-54
CrossesNogal Canyon
Location2.6 MI N of US-380/CARRIZ
RouteU.S. Route 54
Coordinates33.68019, -105.85349
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans24
Design loadH 15
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,374 (2023)
Projected traffic3,228 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$404,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-54 over Nogal Canyon built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-54 over Nogal Canyon in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does US-54 over Nogal Canyon carry?

About 2,374 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-54 over Nogal Canyon?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-54 over Nogal Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.