US Bridges

US-70 over Rancharia Canyon

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 6.44 MI NE of US54/TULARO · Structure no. 000000000006894

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,367
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 over Rancharia Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying US-70 over Rancharia Canyon in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 58 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 26 ft (7.9 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-70
CrossesRancharia Canyon
Location6.44 MI NE of US54/TULARO
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.11839, -105.92646
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 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$349,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 over Rancharia Canyon built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is US-70 over Rancharia Canyon 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 US-70 over Rancharia Canyon carry?

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

How long is US-70 over Rancharia Canyon?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US-70 over Rancharia Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.