US Bridges

NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Luna County, New Mexico · 7.5 MI NE of JCT US-180 · Structure no. 000000000006205

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete
Length
127 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
436
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway in Luna 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 436 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 592 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-61
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location7.5 MI NE of JCT US-180
RouteState Highway 61
CountyLuna County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.59324, -107.91676
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic436 (2023)
Projected traffic592 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$239,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway built?

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

What condition is NM-61 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 2023.

How much traffic does NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 436 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NM-61 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.