US Bridges

NM-118 over Salt Water Wash

Fair

McKinley County, New Mexico · 11.4 M East of Ariz Line · Structure no. 000000000003480

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
724
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-118 over Salt Water Wash is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-118 over Salt Water Wash in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 724 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 984 by 2043. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-118
CrossesSalt Water Wash
Location11.4 M East of Ariz Line
RouteState Highway 118
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.48033, -108.91188
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic724 (2023)
Projected traffic984 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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-118 over Salt Water Wash built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-118 over Salt Water Wash 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NM-118 over Salt Water Wash carry?

About 724 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-118 over Salt Water Wash?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NM-118 over Salt Water Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.