US Bridges

US-54 over South Diversion Channel

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 4.4 M S. JCT US 70/54 · Structure no. 000000000009087

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,909
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54 over South Diversion Channel is a concrete culvert carrying US-54 over South Diversion Channel in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 12,909 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,556 by 2043. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 44 ft wide.

CarriesUS-54
CrossesSouth Diversion Channel
Location4.4 M S. JCT US 70/54
RouteU.S. Route 54
Coordinates32.88068, -105.96941
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,909 (2023)
Projected traffic17,556 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 over South Diversion Channel built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-54 over South Diversion Channel 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US-54 over South Diversion Channel carry?

About 12,909 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-54 over South Diversion Channel?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US-54 over South Diversion Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.