US Bridges

31-0009 over Death Wash

PoorPosted for load

McKinley County, New Mexico · 2.3 MI W US-491 @ MP-5.35 · Structure no. 000000000008870

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
93 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
803
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

31-0009 over Death Wash is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying 31-0009 over Death Wash in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 803 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,092 by 2043. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Carries31-0009
CrossesDeath Wash
Location2.3 MI W US-491 @ MP-5.35
RouteCounty Highway 31009
Coordinates35.60128, -108.81481
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating12.5 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckAluminum
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic803 (2023)
Projected traffic1,092 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$234,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 31-0009 over Death Wash built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is 31-0009 over Death Wash in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does 31-0009 over Death Wash carry?

About 803 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is 31-0009 over Death Wash?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns 31-0009 over Death Wash?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.