US Bridges

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 11.4 MI N of JCT NM-74 · Structure no. 000000000004089

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,977
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-285 over Unnamed Waterway in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 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 2,977 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,048 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.2 mi (105 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-285
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location11.4 MI N of JCT NM-74
RouteU.S. Route 285
CountyRio Arriba County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.20563, -106.04921
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (8 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 traffic2,977 (2023)
Projected traffic4,048 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.2 mi (105 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$117,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway 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 2022.

How much traffic does US-285 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 2,977 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.