US Bridges

NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 4.77 MI S of JCT NM-518 · Structure no. 000000000006169

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,160
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 1959, so it is 66 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 5,160 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,017 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-68
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location4.77 MI S of JCT NM-518
RouteState Highway 68
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.33233, -105.67661
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.5 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 traffic5,160 (2023)
Projected traffic7,017 by 2043
Trucks17%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$182,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 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 December 2023.

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

About 5,160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is NM-68 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 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.