US Bridges

NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River

Fair

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · JCT Nm 68 & US 84/285 · Structure no. 000000000005718

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
202 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
19,160
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River is a concrete continuous slab carrying NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5 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 19,160 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,057 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68 SB
CrossesSanta Cruz River
LocationJCT Nm 68 & US 84/285
RouteState Highway 68
CountyRio Arriba County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.98937, -106.06625
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,160 (2023)
Projected traffic26,057 by 2043
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$683,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River carry?

About 19,160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns NM-68 SB over Santa Cruz River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.