US Bridges

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 1.60 MI N of NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000003604

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
20,545
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 85 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 20,545 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,941 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location1.60 MI N of NM-518
RouteState Highway 68
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.38163, -105.58847
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,545 (2023)
Projected traffic27,941 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$239,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 20,545 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.