US Bridges

I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek

Fair

Quay County, New Mexico · 10.3 M E of JCT NM-209 · Structure no. 000000000007530

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
113 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,466
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek in Quay County, New Mexico. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 14,466 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,673 by 2043. The structure is 113 ft (34.5 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Ebl
CrossesWaterfall Creek
Location10.3 M E of JCT NM-209
RouteInterstate 40
CountyQuay County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.17314, -103.54565
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.5 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,466 (2023)
Projected traffic19,673 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 Ebl over Waterfall Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Ebl over Waterfall 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek carry?

About 14,466 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.5 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Ebl over Waterfall Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.