US Bridges

US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo

Good

Sandoval County, New Mexico · 8.0 MI NW of JCT Nm 4 · Structure no. 000000000009136

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
137 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,416
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 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 5,416 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,365 by 2043. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 40.4 mi (65 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesCuchilla Arroyo
Location8.0 MI NW of JCT Nm 4
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates35.5902, -106.88714
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,416 (2023)
Projected traffic7,365 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed40.4 mi (65 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo 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 April 2024.

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

About 5,416 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns US-550 over Cuchilla Arroyo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.