US Bridges

NM-53 over Togeye Canyon

Good

McKinley County, New Mexico · 34.5 MI E of Ariz ST Line · Structure no. 000000000010020

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,071
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-53 over Togeye Canyon is a steel culvert carrying NM-53 over Togeye Canyon in McKinley County, New Mexico. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 1,071 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,456 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNM-53
CrossesTogeye Canyon
Location34.5 MI E of Ariz ST Line
RouteState Highway 53
Coordinates35.12023, -108.48406
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.5 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,071 (2023)
Projected traffic1,456 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-53 over Togeye Canyon built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-53 over Togeye Canyon 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NM-53 over Togeye Canyon carry?

About 1,071 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-53 over Togeye Canyon?

The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns NM-53 over Togeye Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.