US Bridges

NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek

Fair

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI W of JCT US 550 · Structure no. 000000000006345

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,159
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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.

It carries about 1,159 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,576 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-197
CrossesRio Leche Creek
Location0.1 MI W of JCT US 550
RouteState Highway 197
CountySandoval County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.01137, -106.97051
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,159 (2023)
Projected traffic1,576 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 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-197 over Rio Leche Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-197 over Rio Leche 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek carry?

About 1,159 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-197 over Rio Leche Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.