US Bridges

NM-173 over San Juan River

Fair

San Juan County, New Mexico · 0.5 MI W of JCT NM-511 · Structure no. 000000000006661

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
201 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
592
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-173 over San Juan River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-173 over San Juan River in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 592 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 805 by 2043. The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-173
CrossesSan Juan River
Location0.5 MI W of JCT NM-511
RouteState Highway 173
CountySan Juan County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.80491, -107.69995
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length201 ft (61.3 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic592 (2023)
Projected traffic805 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NM-173 over San Juan River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-173 over San Juan 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NM-173 over San Juan River carry?

About 592 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-173 over San Juan River?

The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NM-173 over San Juan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.