US Bridges

US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 9.77 MI NE of US54/TULARO · Structure no. 000000000007367

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,164
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 6,164 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,383 by 2042. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-70 Wbl
CrossesTularosa Creek
Location9.77 MI NE of US54/TULARO
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.15139, -105.88542
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,164 (2022)
Projected traffic8,383 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$250,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US-70 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 June 2023.

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

About 6,164 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US-70 Wbl over Tularosa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.