NM-161 over Sapello River
FairMora County, New Mexico · 1.3 MI N of JCT I-25 · Structure no. 000000000002549
- Built
- 1934
- 91 years old, rebuilt 1988
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected November 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 302 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 205
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NM-161 over Sapello River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-161 over Sapello River in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 91 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 205 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 278 by 2043. The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was NM-161 over Sapello River built?
It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.
What condition is NM-161 over Sapello River 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 November 2023.
How much traffic does NM-161 over Sapello River carry?
About 205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.
How long is NM-161 over Sapello River?
The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.
Who owns NM-161 over Sapello River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.