US Bridges

NM-187 over Palomas Creek

Fair

Sierra County, New Mexico · NM-187 Mile Post 32.4 · Structure no. 000000000002502

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
254 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
521
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-187 over Palomas Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-187 over Palomas Creek in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 5 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 521 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 708 by 2043. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-187
CrossesPalomas Creek
LocationNM-187 Mile Post 32.4
RouteState Highway 187
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates33.06072, -107.29909
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic521 (2023)
Projected traffic708 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$380,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-187 over Palomas Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-187 over Palomas Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NM-187 over Palomas Creek carry?

About 521 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NM-187 over Palomas Creek?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns NM-187 over Palomas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.