US Bridges

NM-522 over Red River

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 1.25 MI S of JCT NM-38 · Structure no. 000000000005262

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,269
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-522 over Red River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-522 over Red River in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 3,269 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,445 by 2043. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-522
CrossesRed River
Location1.25 MI S of JCT NM-38
RouteState Highway 522
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.6929, -105.61207
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,269 (2023)
Projected traffic4,445 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$820,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-522 over Red River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-522 over Red River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NM-522 over Red River carry?

About 3,269 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-522 over Red River?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NM-522 over Red River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.