US Bridges

31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo

FairPosted for load

McKinley County, New Mexico · 17.92 M W NM-197 @torreon · Structure no. 000000000008529

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
96 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
337
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 337 vehicles a day, projected to reach 458 by 2043. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries31-Z019
CrossesNorth Fork/Chico Arroyo
Location17.92 M W NM-197 @torreon
RouteCounty Highway 31011
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.71056, -107.49194
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic337 (2023)
Projected traffic458 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$241,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo carry?

About 337 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns 31-Z019 over North Fork/Chico Arroyo?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.