US Bridges

NM-161 over Mora River

Fair

Mora County, New Mexico · 7.7 MI SE of JCT NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000007536

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
81
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-161 over Mora River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-161 over Mora River in Mora County, New Mexico. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 81 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-161
CrossesMora River
Location7.7 MI SE of JCT NM-518
RouteState Highway 161
CountyMora County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.89593, -105.15381
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.
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 inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 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 closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 Mora River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-161 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 June 2024.

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

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

How long is NM-161 over Mora River?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NM-161 over Mora River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.