US Bridges

51-B038 over Rio Grande

Poor

Sierra County, New Mexico · 1.43M.E & N NM187/N Arrey · Structure no. 000000000006680

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
184 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

51-B038 over Rio Grande is a steel truss - thru carrying 51-B038 over Rio Grande in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 95 by 2043. The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries51-B038
CrossesRio Grande
Location1.43M.E & N NM187/N Arrey
RouteCounty Highway 51038
CountySierra County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates32.85584, -107.29892
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length184 ft (56.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2023)
Projected traffic95 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$224,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 51-B038 over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is 51-B038 over Rio Grande in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does 51-B038 over Rio Grande carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 51-B038 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 51-B038 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.