US Bridges

NM-197 over Torreon Wash

Fair

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 25.3 MI W of US 550 · Structure no. 000000000007392

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
279 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,159
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-197 over Torreon Wash is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-197 over Torreon Wash in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 54 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 279 ft (84.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-197
CrossesTorreon Wash
Location25.3 MI W of US 550
RouteState Highway 197
CountySandoval County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.78031, -107.24174
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length279 ft (84.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 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 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$616,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-197 over Torreon Wash built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is NM-197 over Torreon Wash 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 2024.

How much traffic does NM-197 over Torreon Wash carry?

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

How long is NM-197 over Torreon Wash?

The structure is 279 ft (84.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NM-197 over Torreon Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.