US Bridges

IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 15.6 MI NE of US54/TULARO · Structure no. 000000000004768

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,367
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 85 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 6,367 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,659 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl
CrossesTularosa Creek
Location15.6 MI NE of US54/TULARO
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.15706, -105.78941
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating96.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,367 (2023)
Projected traffic8,659 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$326,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek carry?

About 6,367 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IRR/US-70 Ebl/Wbl over Tularosa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.