US Bridges

US-550 over San Juan River

Fair

San Juan County, New Mexico · 0.7 MI S of JCT US-64 · Structure no. 000000000008243

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
636 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,535
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over San Juan River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-550 over San Juan River in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 78 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 6 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 6,535 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,887 by 2043. The structure is 636 ft (193.9 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-550
CrossesSan Juan River
Location0.7 MI S of JCT US-64
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates36.69973, -107.98669
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length636 ft (193.9 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.2 m)
Roadway width96 ft (29.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,535 (2023)
Projected traffic8,887 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$5.1 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-550 over San Juan River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is US-550 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 2024.

How much traffic does US-550 over San Juan River carry?

About 6,535 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-550 over San Juan River?

The structure is 636 ft (193.9 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns US-550 over San Juan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.