US Bridges

I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco

Fair

McKinley County, New Mexico · 1.1 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000006296

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

About this bridge

I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco 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 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 21,057 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,637 by 2043. The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Ebl
CrossesRio Puerco
Location1.1 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.37368, -109.03487
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 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 span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$992,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco 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 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 October 2023.

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

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

How long is I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco?

The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Ebl over Rio Puerco?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.