US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad

Good

McKinley County, New Mexico · 0.8 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000006293

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
364 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
21,057
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2008, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 21,057 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,637 by 2043. The structure is 364 ft (110.9 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesBNSF Railroad
Location0.8 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.37204, -109.03902
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length364 ft (110.9 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 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
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$90,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad carry?

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

How long is I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad?

The structure is 364 ft (110.9 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over BNSF Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.