US Bridges

27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso

FairPosted for load

Lincoln County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI S of Main Road · Structure no. 000000000009193

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
336
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso in Lincoln County, New Mexico. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 336 vehicles a day, projected to reach 456 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries27-Z003
CrossesRio Ruidoso
Location0.1 MI S of Main Road
RouteCounty Highway 27003
CountyLincoln County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.33316, -105.69402
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating13.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic336 (2023)
Projected traffic456 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$28,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is 27-Z003 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso carry?

About 336 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 27-Z003 over Rio Ruidoso?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.