US Bridges

NM-161 over Sapello River

Fair

Mora County, New Mexico · 0.4 MI W of JCT I-25 · Structure no. 000000000007009

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
182 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
81
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-161 over Sapello River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-161 over Sapello River in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 81 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2043. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-161
CrossesSapello River
Location0.4 MI W of JCT I-25
RouteState Highway 161
CountyMora County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.78131, -104.99738
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic81 (2023)
Projected traffic110 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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-161 over Sapello River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

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 June 2024.

How much traffic does NM-161 over Sapello River carry?

About 81 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-161 over Sapello River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NM-161 over Sapello River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.