US Bridges

NM-118 over Rio Puerco

Fair

McKinley County, New Mexico · 9.3 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000006129

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
314 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
724
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-118 over Rio Puerco is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-118 over Rio Puerco in McKinley 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 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 314 ft (95.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-118
CrossesRio Puerco
Location9.3 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteState Highway 118
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.461, -108.94239
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 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 length314 ft (95.7 m)
Longest span118 ft (36 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 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 closed9.9 mi (16 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$589,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-118 over Rio Puerco built?

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

What condition is NM-118 over Rio Puerco 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NM-118 over Rio Puerco carry?

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

How long is NM-118 over Rio Puerco?

The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (36 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NM-118 over Rio Puerco?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.