US Bridges

NM-63 over Pecos River

Fair

San Miguel County, New Mexico · 0.9 MI N of JCT NM-223 · Structure no. 000000000006529

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
104 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,639
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-63 over Pecos River is a concrete culvert carrying NM-63 over Pecos River in San Miguel County, New Mexico. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 2,639 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,589 by 2043. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNM-63
CrossesPecos River
Location0.9 MI N of JCT NM-223
RouteState Highway 63
Coordinates35.58694, -105.67555
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,639 (2023)
Projected traffic3,589 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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-63 over Pecos River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-63 over Pecos 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does NM-63 over Pecos River carry?

About 2,639 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-63 over Pecos River?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns NM-63 over Pecos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.