US Bridges

NM-51 over Rio Grande

Good

Sierra County, New Mexico · 3.1 MI E of LOOP-11\TRUTH · Structure no. 000000000009401

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
356 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
669
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-51 over Rio Grande is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-51 over Rio Grande in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 years old, younger than the New Mexico average of 51.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 669 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 909 by 2043. The structure is 356 ft (108.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.1 mi (87 km).

CarriesNM-51
CrossesRio Grande
Location3.1 MI E of LOOP-11\TRUTH
RouteState Highway 51
Coordinates33.14492, -107.20888
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length356 ft (108.6 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic669 (2023)
Projected traffic909 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.1 mi (87 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-51 over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-51 over Rio Grande in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

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

About 669 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-51 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 356 ft (108.6 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns NM-51 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.