US Bridges

NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 3.90 MI N of JCT Nm 68 · Structure no. 000000000006252

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,356
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 1,356 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,844 by 2043. The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-240
CrossesRio De Los Cordovas
Location3.90 MI N of JCT Nm 68
RouteState Highway 240
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.39864, -105.61039
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length66 ft (20 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,356 (2023)
Projected traffic1,844 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$249,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas 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-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas carry?

About 1,356 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas?

The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns NM-240 over Rio De Los Cordovas?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.