US Bridges

US-550 over Irrigation Ditch

Good

San Juan County, New Mexico · 0.10 MI S Nm 516/AZTEC · Structure no. 000000000006334

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,253
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Irrigation Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US-550 over Irrigation Ditch in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 10,253 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,944 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesIrrigation Ditch
Location0.10 MI S Nm 516/AZTEC
RouteState Highway 550
Coordinates36.82443, -107.99411
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic10,253 (2023)
Projected traffic13,944 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Irrigation Ditch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-550 over Irrigation Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does US-550 over Irrigation Ditch carry?

About 10,253 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over Irrigation Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-550 over Irrigation Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.