US Bridges

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 1.60 MI S of JCT NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000003608

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,084
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, 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 8,084 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,994 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location1.60 MI S of JCT NM-518
RouteState Highway 68
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.35035, -105.62737
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.5 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 traffic8,084 (2023)
Projected traffic10,994 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 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$161,000
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.

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 July 2024.

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

About 8,084 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.