US Bridges

NM-96 over Poleo Creek

Good

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 18.15 MI W of Jcu US-84 · Structure no. 000000000005636

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
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 Poleo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NM-96 over Poleo Creek in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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
CrossesPoleo Creek
Location18.15 MI W of Jcu US-84
RouteState Highway 96
Coordinates36.1632, -106.65802
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-96 over Poleo Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-96 over Poleo 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 July 2022.

How much traffic does NM-96 over Poleo Creek carry?

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

How long is NM-96 over Poleo Creek?

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

Who owns NM-96 over Poleo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.