US Bridges

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 2.80 MI N of JCT US-84 · Structure no. 000000000005797

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,476
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 16,476 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,407 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location2.80 MI N of JCT US-84
RouteState Highway 68
CountyRio Arriba County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.02996, -106.06403
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,476 (2023)
Projected traffic22,407 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$500,000 (2080 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-68 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 16,476 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.