US Bridges

NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · Nm 522 Mm 13.7 · Structure no. 000000000005442

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
66 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,991
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon is a concrete culvert carrying NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon 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 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 3,991 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,427 by 2043. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-522
CrossesGarrapata Canyon
LocationNm 522 Mm 13.7
RouteState Highway 522
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.62566, -105.65094
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 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 traffic3,991 (2023)
Projected traffic5,427 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 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$437,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon built?

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

What condition is NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon carry?

About 3,991 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NM-522 over Garrapata Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.