US Bridges

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 5.6 MI E of JCT US-380 · Structure no. 000000000005112

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,714
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Unnamed Waterway in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 88 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 3,714 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,051 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long.

CarriesUS-70
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location5.6 MI E of JCT US-380
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates33.36812, -105.18816
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic3,714 (2023)
Projected traffic5,051 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$139,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US-70 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 3,714 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.