US Bridges

US-70 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 0.6 MI E of JCT NM-48 · Structure no. 000000000006074

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,939
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 1957 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 4,939 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,717 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-70
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location0.6 MI E of JCT NM-48
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyLincoln County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.32645, -105.61857
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2021
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 rating92.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,939 (2023)
Projected traffic6,717 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
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$239,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

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 April 2021.

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

About 4,939 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.