US Bridges

55-B005 over Rio Hondo

PoorPosted for load

Taos County, New Mexico · 1.0 MI W Nm 522 @ Mm 6.9 · Structure no. 000000000007753

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-B005 over Rio Hondo is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55-B005 over Rio Hondo in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Carries55-B005
CrossesRio Hondo
Location1.0 MI W Nm 522 @ Mm 6.9
RouteCounty Highway 55005
Coordinates36.53295, -105.68241
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2023)
Projected traffic340 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$24,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-B005 over Rio Hondo built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-B005 over Rio Hondo in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does 55-B005 over Rio Hondo carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-B005 over Rio Hondo?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 55-B005 over Rio Hondo?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.