US Bridges

NM-96 over Agua Sarca

Good

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 19.20 MI W of JCT US-84 · Structure no. 000000000005635

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
971
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-96 over Agua Sarca is a concrete culvert carrying NM-96 over Agua Sarca in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 971 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,320 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNM-96
CrossesAgua Sarca
Location19.20 MI W of JCT US-84
RouteState Highway 96
Coordinates36.17099, -106.67008
Functional classRural Major 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic971 (2023)
Projected traffic1,320 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-96 over Agua Sarca built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-96 over Agua Sarca 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 November 2021.

How much traffic does NM-96 over Agua Sarca carry?

About 971 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-96 over Agua Sarca?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-96 over Agua Sarca?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.