US Bridges

55-B002 over Rio Hondo

FairPosted for load

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.3 MI W of JCT NM-522 · Structure no. 000000000007755

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-B002 over Rio Hondo is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55-B002 over Rio Hondo in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-B002
CrossesRio Hondo
Location0.3 MI W of JCT NM-522
RouteCounty Highway 55002
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.53456, -105.67009
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating31.3 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2023)
Projected traffic340 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$29,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-B002 over Rio Hondo built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-B002 over Rio Hondo 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 55-B002 over Rio Hondo carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-B002 over Rio Hondo?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns 55-B002 over Rio Hondo?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.