US Bridges

US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla

Good

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 3.6 MI N of JCT NM-96 · Structure no. 000000000007060

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,662
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla is a concrete culvert carrying US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,662 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,700 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesArroyo Chiuilla
Location3.6 MI N of JCT NM-96
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates36.07169, -107.04941
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 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 traffic5,662 (2023)
Projected traffic7,700 by 2043
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$211,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla built?

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

What condition is US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2022.

How much traffic does US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla carry?

About 5,662 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-550 over Arroyo Chiuilla?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.