US Bridges

31-0049 over Rio Puerco

FairPosted for load

McKinley County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI N of N 11-49 · Structure no. 000000000008905

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
111 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
179
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

31-0049 over Rio Puerco is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 31-0049 over Rio Puerco in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 179 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 243 by 2043. The structure is 111 ft (33.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries31-0049
CrossesRio Puerco
Location0.9 MI N of N 11-49
RouteCounty Highway 31049
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.62065, -108.45474
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckOpen grating
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length111 ft (33.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic179 (2023)
Projected traffic243 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$93,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 31-0049 over Rio Puerco built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is 31-0049 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does 31-0049 over Rio Puerco carry?

About 179 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is 31-0049 over Rio Puerco?

The structure is 111 ft (33.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns 31-0049 over Rio Puerco?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.