US Bridges

NM-518 over Mora River

Fair

Mora County, New Mexico · 3.7 MI NW of JCT NM-442 · Structure no. 000000000006763

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,107
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-518 over Mora River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-518 over Mora River in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 3,107 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,225 by 2043. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-518
CrossesMora River
Location3.7 MI NW of JCT NM-442
RouteState Highway 518
CountyMora County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.96732, -105.30237
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,107 (2023)
Projected traffic4,225 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$381,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-518 over Mora River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-518 over Mora 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NM-518 over Mora River carry?

About 3,107 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-518 over Mora River?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NM-518 over Mora River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.