US Bridges

NM-3 over Pecos River

Good

San Miguel County, New Mexico · 5.7 MI S of I-25 · Structure no. 000000000008910

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
374 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
531
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-3 over Pecos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-3 over Pecos River in San Miguel County, New Mexico. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 531 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 722 by 2043. The structure is 374 ft (114 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNM-3
CrossesPecos River
Location5.7 MI S of I-25
RouteState Highway 3
Coordinates35.32572, -105.42439
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating100 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length374 ft (114 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic531 (2023)
Projected traffic722 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-3 over Pecos River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-3 over Pecos 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does NM-3 over Pecos River carry?

About 531 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-3 over Pecos River?

The structure is 374 ft (114 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns NM-3 over Pecos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.