US Bridges

US-550 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

San Juan County, New Mexico · 5.50 MI N of NM-516 · Structure no. 000000000006415

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,176
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-550 over Unnamed Waterway in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 11,176 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,199 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location5.50 MI N of NM-516
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates36.88449, -107.93236
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic11,176 (2023)
Projected traffic15,199 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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$137,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-550 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-550 over Unnamed Waterway 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-550 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 11,176 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-550 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.