US Bridges

NM-278 over Hittson Creek

Good

Quay County, New Mexico · 1.4 MI South of JCT US-66 · Structure no. 000000000008705

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
205
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-278 over Hittson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NM-278 over Hittson Creek in Quay County, New Mexico. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 205 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 278 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

CarriesNM-278
CrossesHittson Creek
Location1.4 MI South of JCT US-66
RouteState Highway 278
Coordinates35.15063, -103.61357
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic205 (2023)
Projected traffic278 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NM-278 over Hittson Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-278 over Hittson Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2022.

How much traffic does NM-278 over Hittson Creek carry?

About 205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-278 over Hittson Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-278 over Hittson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.