US Bridges

55-B054 over Rio Costilla

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.1 MI N of JCT NM-196 · Structure no. 000000000007766

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-B054 over Rio Costilla is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55-B054 over Rio Costilla in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 6 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 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-B054
CrossesRio Costilla
Location0.1 MI N of JCT NM-196
RouteCounty Highway 55054
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.97678, -105.52923
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 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 closed1.2 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$300,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-B054 over Rio Costilla built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-B054 over Rio Costilla 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 55-B054 over Rio Costilla carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-B054 over Rio Costilla?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 55-B054 over Rio Costilla?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.