US Bridges

I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West

Fair

McKinley County, New Mexico · 7.9 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000006282

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
365 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
21,057
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 62 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 21,057 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,637 by 2043. The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long and 41 ft wide.

CarriesI-40 Ebl
CrossesRio Puerco of the West
Location7.9 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteInterstate 40
Coordinates35.44638, -108.95539
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length365 ft (111.3 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,057 (2023)
Projected traffic28,637 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West carry?

About 21,057 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West?

The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco of the West?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.