US Bridges

NM-187 over Animas Creek

Fair

Sierra County, New Mexico · 1.0 M N JCT NM-152/NM-187 · Structure no. 000000000002509

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
203 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
521
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-187 over Animas Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-187 over Animas Creek in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-187
CrossesAnimas Creek
Location1.0 M N JCT NM-152/NM-187
RouteState Highway 187
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.96757, -107.31067
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length203 ft (61.9 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$303,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-187 over Animas Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-187 over Animas 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 Animas Creek carry?

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

How long is NM-187 over Animas Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns NM-187 over Animas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.