US Bridges

NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Mora County, New Mexico · 2.5 MI NW of JCT NM-434 · Structure no. 000000000003828

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,524
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,524 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,432 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-518
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location2.5 MI NW of JCT NM-434
RouteState Highway 518
CountyMora County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.9888, -105.3675
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,524 (2023)
Projected traffic3,432 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$86,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway 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 May 2021.

How much traffic does NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 2,524 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-518 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.