US Bridges

US-54 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 3.9 MI N of US-70/TULAROS · Structure no. 000000000007596

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 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 1977, so it is 48 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 2,797 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,803 by 2043. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-54
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location3.9 MI N of US-70/TULAROS
RouteU.S. Route 54
Coordinates33.13084, -106.04399
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 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 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$186,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-54 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

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 December 2022.

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 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-54 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.