US Bridges

US-54 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 12.6 MI N of US-70/TULARO · Structure no. 000000000005426

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,797
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-54 over Unnamed Waterway in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 77 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 2,797 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,803 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-54
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location12.6 MI N of US-70/TULARO
RouteU.S. Route 54
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.25145, -106.06387
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 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 traffic2,797 (2023)
Projected traffic3,803 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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$105,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-54 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is US-54 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-54 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 2,797 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-54 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-54 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.