US Bridges

US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad

Good

Quay County, New Mexico · 0.4 MI E of Jct. NM-39_ · Structure no. 000000000009176

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
295 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,488
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad in Quay County, New Mexico. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 6,488 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,823 by 2043. The structure is 295 ft (89.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-54
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location0.4 MI E of Jct. NM-39_
RouteU.S. Route 54
Coordinates35.37379, -103.4064
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length295 ft (89.8 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,488 (2023)
Projected traffic8,823 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 6,488 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 295 ft (89.8 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US-54 over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.