US Bridges

NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.50 MI S of JCT NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000003607

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,899
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho is a concrete culvert carrying NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940, 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 5 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 6,899 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,382 by 2043. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesRio Grande Del Rancho
Location0.50 MI S of JCT NM-518
RouteState Highway 68
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.35772, -105.61052
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,899 (2023)
Projected traffic9,382 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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$281,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho built?

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

What condition is NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho 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 Rio Grande Del Rancho carry?

About 6,899 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-68 over Rio Grande Del Rancho?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.