US Bridges

55-0306 over Rio Costilla

Poor

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.40 MI S of JCT NM-196 · Structure no. 000000000007767

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-0306 over Rio Costilla is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55-0306 over Rio Costilla in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 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.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-0306
CrossesRio Costilla
Location0.40 MI S of JCT NM-196
RouteCounty Highway 55306
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.94466, -105.46439
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 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 55-0306 over Rio Costilla built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-0306 over Rio Costilla 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 55-0306 over Rio Costilla carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-0306 over Rio Costilla?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns 55-0306 over Rio Costilla?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.