US Bridges

55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo

FairPosted for load

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.10 MI S of JCT Nm 75 · Structure no. 000000000007758

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo 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 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-Z004
CrossesRio Pueblo
Location0.10 MI S of JCT Nm 75
RouteCounty Highway 55004
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.18576, -105.65526
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$73,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo built?

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

What condition is 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 55-Z004 over Rio Pueblo?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.