US Bridges

Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal

Fair

Quay County, New Mexico · 1.7 MI S of US-54@ MM311. · Structure no. 000000000008514

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal in Quay County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 8 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesQr-Ah
CrossesIrrigation Canal
Location1.7 MI S of US-54@ MM311.
RouteCounty Highway 37001
CountyQuay County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.21171, -103.5958
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8 (2023)
Projected traffic10 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$44,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal carry?

About 8 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Qr-Ah over Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.