US Bridges

NM-485 over Jemez Creek

Fair

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 0.05 MI W of JCT NM-4 · Structure no. 000000000005912

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
137 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
372
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-485 over Jemez Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-485 over Jemez Creek 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 5 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 372 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 505 by 2043. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-485
CrossesJemez Creek
Location0.05 MI W of JCT NM-4
RouteState Highway 485
CountySandoval County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.66851, -106.74384
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic372 (2023)
Projected traffic505 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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$146,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-485 over Jemez Creek built?

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

What condition is NM-485 over Jemez 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does NM-485 over Jemez Creek carry?

About 372 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-485 over Jemez Creek?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns NM-485 over Jemez Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.