US Bridges

NM-516 EB over Animas River

Fair

San Juan County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI W JCT US550/AZTEC · Structure no. 000000000006220

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
392 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
16,660
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-516 EB over Animas River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-516 EB over Animas River in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 5 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 16,660 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,657 by 2043. The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-516 EB
CrossesAnimas River
Location0.1 MI W JCT US550/AZTEC
RouteState Highway 516
CountySan Juan County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.826, -108.0029
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length392 ft (119.5 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,660 (2023)
Projected traffic22,657 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$972,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-516 EB over Animas River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-516 EB over Animas River 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 2023.

How much traffic does NM-516 EB over Animas River carry?

About 16,660 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-516 EB over Animas River?

The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NM-516 EB over Animas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.