US Bridges

Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash

Fair

San Miguel County, New Mexico · I-25 Exit 307. 3.7 Miles · Structure no. 7500001S0000000

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash in San Miguel County, New Mexico. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 75 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2039. The structure is 76 ft (23.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForked Lightning R
CrossesGlorieta Wash
LocationI-25 Exit 307. 3.7 Miles
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySan Miguel County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.53435, -105.66917
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic55 by 2039
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$38,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash?

The structure is 76 ft (23.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Forked Lightning R over Glorieta Wash?

It is owned by the National Park Service.