US Bridges

55-Z015 over Red River

Poor

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.5 MI S of NM-38 @MP-0.6 · Structure no. 000000000008609

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-Z015 over Red River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 55-Z015 over Red River in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-Z015
CrossesRed River
Location0.5 MI S of NM-38 @MP-0.6
RouteCity Street 55015
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.69831, -105.58723
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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$33,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-Z015 over Red River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-Z015 over Red River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 55-Z015 over Red River carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-Z015 over Red River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns 55-Z015 over Red River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.