US Bridges

US-550 over Animas River

Good

San Juan County, New Mexico · US 550 Mm 169.5 · Structure no. 000000000009179

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
324 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,176
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-550 over Animas River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-550 over Animas River in San Juan County, New Mexico. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 324 ft (98.8 m) long and 38 ft wide.

CarriesUS-550
CrossesAnimas River
LocationUS 550 Mm 169.5
RouteU.S. Route 550
Coordinates36.93339, -107.89422
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length324 ft (98.8 m)
Longest span121 ft (37 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,176 (2023)
Projected traffic15,199 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Animas River built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-550 over Animas River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US-550 over Animas River carry?

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

How long is US-550 over Animas River?

The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (37 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US-550 over Animas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.