US Bridges

NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 1.60 MI S of JCT NM-75 · Structure no. 000000000006052

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,655
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,655 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,250 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-73
CrossesRio Santa Barbara
Location1.60 MI S of JCT NM-75
RouteState Highway 73
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.15045, -105.67382
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,655 (2023)
Projected traffic2,250 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$128,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara carry?

About 1,655 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NM-73 over Rio Santa Barbara?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.