US Bridges

NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla

FairPosted for load

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.20 N of JCT NM-68/PILAR · Structure no. 000000000007524

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 170 by 2043. The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-570
CrossesRito Cienequilla
Location0.20 N of JCT NM-68/PILAR
RouteState Highway 570
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.27161, -105.78769
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic170 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$300,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla 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 2022.

How much traffic does NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla?

The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NM-570 over Rito Cienequilla?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.