US Bridges

US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 0.36 M E of US70/ALAMOGOR · Structure no. 000000000007517

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
193 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,689
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1975, 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 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 23,689 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,217 by 2043. The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long and 67 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-54/70 SB
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location0.36 M E of US70/ALAMOGOR
RouteU.S. Route 54
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.87445, -105.96409
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,689 (2023)
Projected traffic32,217 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad built?

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

What condition is US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 23,689 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US-54/70 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.