US Bridges

US-285 over Rio Chama

Good

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 0.4 MI N of US-84 · Structure no. 000000000008911

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
262 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,977
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Rio Chama is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-285 over Rio Chama in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 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 2,977 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,048 by 2043. The structure is 262 ft (80 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-285
CrossesRio Chama
Location0.4 MI N of US-84
RouteU.S. Route 285
Coordinates36.09435, -106.13171
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length262 ft (80 m)
Longest span89 ft (27 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,977 (2023)
Projected traffic4,048 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$824,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Rio Chama built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-285 over Rio Chama 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US-285 over Rio Chama carry?

About 2,977 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Rio Chama?

The structure is 262 ft (80 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US-285 over Rio Chama?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.