US Bridges

NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal

Fair

Socorro County, New Mexico · 1.14 M E of Lemitar · Structure no. 000000000005478

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,282
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal is a concrete channel beam carrying NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal in Socorro County, New Mexico. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 1,282 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,743 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 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-408
CrossesSocorro Main Canal
Location1.14 M E of Lemitar
RouteState Highway 408
CountySocorro County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.15766, -106.89963
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,282 (2023)
Projected traffic1,743 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$53,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-408 over Socorro Main 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal carry?

About 1,282 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-408 over Socorro Main Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.