US Bridges

NM-126 over Rito Leche

FairPosted for load

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI SE JCT US 550/CUBA · Structure no. 000000000005074

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
693
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-126 over Rito Leche is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-126 over Rito Leche in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 693 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 942 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-126
CrossesRito Leche
Location0.9 MI SE JCT US 550/CUBA
RouteState Highway 126
CountySandoval County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.01593, -106.94922
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating13.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic693 (2023)
Projected traffic942 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$58,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-126 over Rito Leche built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-126 over Rito Leche 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-126 over Rito Leche carry?

About 693 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-126 over Rito Leche?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NM-126 over Rito Leche?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.