US Bridges

NM-436 over Garfield Canal

FairPosted for load

Sierra County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI W of JCT NM-187 · Structure no. 000000000005472

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
220
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-436 over Garfield Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-436 over Garfield Canal in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 220 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 299 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-436
CrossesGarfield Canal
Location0.1 MI W of JCT NM-187
RouteState Highway 436
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.78756, -107.28256
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2023)
Projected traffic299 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$46,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-436 over Garfield Canal built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-436 over Garfield Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does NM-436 over Garfield Canal carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NM-436 over Garfield Canal?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NM-436 over Garfield Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.