US Bridges

NM-96 over Canones Creek

Fair

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 3.70 M W JCT US-84/NM-96 · Structure no. 000000000006463

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
407 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
971
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-96 over Canones Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-96 over Canones Creek in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 971 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,320 by 2043. The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-96
CrossesCanones Creek
Location3.70 M W JCT US-84/NM-96
RouteState Highway 96
CountyRio Arriba County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.22176, -106.45104
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length407 ft (124.1 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$720,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-96 over Canones Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-96 over Canones Creek 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 October 2024.

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

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

How long is NM-96 over Canones Creek?

The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NM-96 over Canones Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.