US Bridges

US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada

Fair

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 20.8 MI NW of JCT I-25 · Structure no. 000000000007548

Built
1979
46 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,796
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 1979 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 9,796 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,322 by 2043. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesArroyo Piedra Parada
Location20.8 MI NW of JCT I-25
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates35.5201, -106.77469
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,796 (2023)
Projected traffic13,322 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1.1 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada carry?

About 9,796 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns US-550 over Arroyo Piedra Parada?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.