US Bridges

27-E003 over Ruidoso River

Fair

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 0.2 MI E of US-70 @MP-273 · Structure no. 000000000008779

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
345
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

27-E003 over Ruidoso River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 27-E003 over Ruidoso River in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 345 vehicles a day, projected to reach 469 by 2043. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries27-E003
CrossesRuidoso River
Location0.2 MI E of US-70 @MP-273
RouteCounty Highway 27003
CountyLincoln County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.40468, -105.45845
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic345 (2023)
Projected traffic469 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$36,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 27-E003 over Ruidoso River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is 27-E003 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does 27-E003 over Ruidoso River carry?

About 345 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 27-E003 over Ruidoso River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns 27-E003 over Ruidoso River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.