US Bridges

US-54 over Tularosa Creek

Good

Otero County, New Mexico · 0.68 MI N of US-70/TULARO · Structure no. 000000000008621

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
166 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,487
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54 over Tularosa Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-54 over Tularosa Creek in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,487 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,742 by 2043. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-54
CrossesTularosa Creek
Location0.68 MI N of US-70/TULARO
RouteU.S. Route 54
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.08611, -106.02594
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,487 (2023)
Projected traffic4,742 by 2043
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$524,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-54 over Tularosa Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-54 over Tularosa Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does US-54 over Tularosa Creek carry?

About 3,487 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US-54 over Tularosa Creek?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-54 over Tularosa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.