US Bridges

US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 2.47 MI SW of US-54/ALAMO · Structure no. 000000000002199

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
17,337
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 17,337 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,578 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long.

CarriesUS-70 Wbl
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location2.47 MI SW of US-54/ALAMO
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates32.8561, -106.00748
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionApril 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,337 (2023)
Projected traffic23,578 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US-70 Wbl 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 April 2021.

How much traffic does US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 17,337 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-70 Wbl over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.