US Bridges

NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels

Fair

San Miguel County, New Mexico · 19.1 MI N of NM-223/PECOS · Structure no. 000000000008859

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
210
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels in San Miguel County, New Mexico. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 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 210 vehicles a day, projected to reach 285 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-63
CrossesPecos River @ Cowels
Location19.1 MI N of NM-223/PECOS
RouteState Highway 63
CountySan Miguel County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.81219, -105.65929
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (2023)
Projected traffic285 by 2043
Trucks—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$85,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels 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 November 2023.

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

About 210 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NM-63 over Pecos River @ Cowels?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.