US Bridges

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 13.45 MI N of JCT NM-74 · Structure no. 000000000004092

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
79 ft
6 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 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 2,977 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,048 by 2043. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.2 mi (105 km).

CarriesUS-285
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location13.45 MI N of JCT NM-74
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates36.23798, -106.04664
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length79 ft (24 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$169,000 (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 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 August 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 79 ft (24 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.