US Bridges

NM-503 over Rio Quemado

Fair

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · 0.29 MI S of JCT NM-76 · Structure no. 000000000005527

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
159
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-503 over Rio Quemado is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-503 over Rio Quemado in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 159 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 216 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-503
CrossesRio Quemado
Location0.29 MI S of JCT NM-76
RouteState Highway 503
CountySanta Fe County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.00117, -105.90285
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (2023)
Projected traffic216 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$290,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-503 over Rio Quemado built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-503 over Rio Quemado 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NM-503 over Rio Quemado carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-503 over Rio Quemado?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NM-503 over Rio Quemado?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.