US Bridges

NM-187 over Percha Creek

Fair

Sierra County, New Mexico · 9.4 MI N of Dona Ana C/L · Structure no. 000000000002510

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
245 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
297
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-187 over Percha Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-187 over Percha Creek in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 297 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 403 by 2043. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-187
CrossesPercha Creek
Location9.4 MI N of Dona Ana C/L
RouteState Highway 187
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.89909, -107.31172
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic297 (2023)
Projected traffic403 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$407,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-187 over Percha Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-187 over Percha 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 December 2023.

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

About 297 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-187 over Percha Creek?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-187 over Percha Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.