US Bridges

NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras

FairPosted for load

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 15.4 MI E of JCT US-550 · Structure no. 000000000005893

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
53
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 53 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 72 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-126
CrossesRito Pena Negras
Location15.4 MI E of JCT US-550
RouteState Highway 126
CountySandoval County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.96597, -106.78709
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating22.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53 (2023)
Projected traffic72 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$28,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras 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 2023.

How much traffic does NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras carry?

About 53 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns NM-126 over Rito Pena Negras?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.