US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek

Fair

Quay County, New Mexico · 52.0 MI E of JCT US-84 · Structure no. 000000000007134

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,451
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek in Quay County, New Mexico. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 5 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 21,451 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,173 by 2043. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesBluewater Creek
Location52.0 MI E of JCT US-84
RouteInterstate 40
CountyQuay County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.14823, -103.79057
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,451 (2023)
Projected traffic29,173 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Bluewater 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek carry?

About 21,451 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Bluewater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.