US Bridges

IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 20.74 M NE JCT US54/TULAR · Structure no. 000000000008723

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,367
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 6,367 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,659 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR/US-70
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location20.74 M NE JCT US54/TULAR
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.18668, -105.72566
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 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 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$432,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR/US-70 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

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

How long is IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns IRR/US-70 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.