US Bridges

55-B007 over Rio Grande

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 4.0 MI W of JCT NM-522 · Structure no. 000000000005243

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
164 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-B007 over Rio Grande is a steel truss - thru carrying 55-B007 over Rio Grande in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-B007
CrossesRio Grande
Location4.0 MI W of JCT NM-522
RouteCounty Highway 55007
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.53504, -105.70881
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2023)
Projected traffic340 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$223,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-B007 over Rio Grande built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-B007 over Rio Grande 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 2024.

How much traffic does 55-B007 over Rio Grande carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-B007 over Rio Grande?

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 55-B007 over Rio Grande?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.