US Bridges

Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek

Fair

Otero County, New Mexico · 1.7M N US70/GATO Mountain · Structure no. 000000000009800

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
223
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek in Otero County, New Mexico. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 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 223 vehicles a day, projected to reach 303 by 2041. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGato Mountain RD
CrossesTularosa Creek
Location1.7M N US70/GATO Mountain
RouteCounty Highway 35001
CountyOtero County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.14489, -105.89771
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic223 (2021)
Projected traffic303 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek carry?

About 223 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Gato Mountain RD over Tularosa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.