US Bridges

US-64 over Rio Grande River

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 7.6 MI W of NM-522/GORGE · Structure no. 000000000006462

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
1,281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,012
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-64 over Rio Grande River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying US-64 over Rio Grande River in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 4,012 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,456 by 2043. The structure is 1,281 ft (390.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-64
CrossesRio Grande River
Location7.6 MI W of NM-522/GORGE
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.47624, -105.73308
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,281 ft (390.4 m)
Longest span600 ft (182.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,012 (2023)
Projected traffic5,456 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-64 over Rio Grande River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-64 over Rio Grande 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US-64 over Rio Grande River carry?

About 4,012 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-64 over Rio Grande River?

The structure is 1,281 ft (390.4 m) long with a longest span of 600 ft (182.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US-64 over Rio Grande River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.