US Bridges

IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake

Fair

McKinley County, New Mexico · 11.9 KM North JCT 5 & 53 · Structure no. 00000000000M412

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Indian Affairs

About this bridge

IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake is a concrete culvert carrying IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 117 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesIRR BIA RTE 5
CrossesBranch Wash-Nutria Lake
Location11.9 KM North JCT 5 & 53
RouteFederal Lands Road 5
CountyMcKinley County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.21624, -108.62429
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2021)
Projected traffic117 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Indian Affairs
Maintained byBureau of Indian Affairs
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$46,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake built?

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

What condition is IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake 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 2023.

How much traffic does IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns IRR BIA RTE 5 over Branch Wash-Nutria Lake?

It is owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.