US Bridges

I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon

Fair

Sierra County, New Mexico · 20.7 MI N of JCT NM-51 · Structure no. 000000000002080

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,806
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 87 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 5,806 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,896 by 2043. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI-25 Nbl/Sbl
CrossesPenasco-Canyon
Location20.7 MI N of JCT NM-51
RouteInterstate 25
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.41572, -107.25662
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.8 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,806 (2023)
Projected traffic7,896 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon carry?

About 5,806 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns I-25 Nbl/Sbl over Penasco-Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.