US Bridges

IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River

Good

McKinley County, New Mexico · 7.5 MI W of NM-602/ZUNI · Structure no. 000000000007564

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
90 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,793
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 3,793 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,158 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesIRR/NM-53
CrossesZuni River
Location7.5 MI W of NM-602/ZUNI
RouteState Highway 53
Coordinates35.0754, -108.81949
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,793 (2023)
Projected traffic5,158 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$321,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River carry?

About 3,793 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IRR/NM-53 over Zuni River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.