US Bridges

NM-48 over Ruidoso River

Fair

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 3.5 MI N of US-70/RUIDOSO · Structure no. 000000000006310

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,756
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-48 over Ruidoso River is a concrete culvert carrying NM-48 over Ruidoso River in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 10,756 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,628 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesNM-48
CrossesRuidoso River
Location3.5 MI N of US-70/RUIDOSO
RouteState Highway 48
Coordinates33.33473, -105.68115
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 inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 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 traffic10,756 (2023)
Projected traffic14,628 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NM-48 over Ruidoso River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-48 over Ruidoso River 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 2021.

How much traffic does NM-48 over Ruidoso River carry?

About 10,756 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-48 over Ruidoso River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-48 over Ruidoso River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.