US Bridges

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.61 MI N of NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000003606

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
17,524
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 17,524 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,832 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location0.61 MI N of NM-518
RouteState Highway 68
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.37073, -105.59607
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic17,524 (2023)
Projected traffic23,832 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$539,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on 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 April 2024.

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

About 17,524 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 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.