US-550 over Rio Puerco
PoorSandoval County, New Mexico · 0.2 MI N of JCT NM-126 · Structure no. 000000000006840
- Built
- 1970
- 55 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 148 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,001
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US-550 over Rio Puerco is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-550 over Rio Puerco in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 5,001 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,801 by 2043. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US-550 over Rio Puerco built?
It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.
What condition is US-550 over Rio Puerco in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.
How much traffic does US-550 over Rio Puerco carry?
About 5,001 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.
How long is US-550 over Rio Puerco?
The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.
Who owns US-550 over Rio Puerco?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.