US Bridges

FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso

Fair

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 0.4 MI NW O JCT NM-48 · Structure no. 000000000008693

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
921
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 921 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,252 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFL-5976
CrossesRio Ruidoso
Location0.4 MI NW O JCT NM-48
RouteCounty Highway 5976
CountyLincoln County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.32539, -105.63636
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic921 (2023)
Projected traffic1,252 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso carry?

About 921 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FL-5976 over Rio Ruidoso?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.