US Bridges

NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Mora County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI E of JCT NM-442 · Structure no. 000000000006258

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
167
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 5 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 167 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 227 by 2043. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 67.7 mi (109 km).

CarriesNM-120
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location0.9 MI E of JCT NM-442
RouteState Highway 120
Coordinates36.16962, -105.03472
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic167 (2023)
Projected traffic227 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed67.7 mi (109 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-120 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 167 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NM-120 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.