US Bridges

NM-68 over Rio Embudo

Fair

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 0.20 MI S of JCT NM-75 · Structure no. 000000000008557

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,837
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-68 over Rio Embudo is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-68 over Rio Embudo in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 5,837 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,938 by 2043. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesRio Embudo
Location0.20 MI S of JCT NM-75
RouteState Highway 68
CountyRio Arriba County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.21133, -105.91588
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,837 (2023)
Projected traffic7,938 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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-68 over Rio Embudo built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-68 over Rio Embudo 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 over Rio Embudo carry?

About 5,837 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Rio Embudo?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NM-68 over Rio Embudo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.