US Bridges

55-042 over Santa Barbara River

Fair

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.20 MI S of JCT NM-73 · Structure no. 000000000008614

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

55-042 over Santa Barbara River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 55-042 over Santa Barbara River in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 340 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55-042
CrossesSanta Barbara River
Location0.20 MI S of JCT NM-73
RouteCounty Highway 55042
CountyTaos County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.16577, -105.68584
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 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$44,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 55-042 over Santa Barbara River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is 55-042 over Santa Barbara River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 55-042 over Santa Barbara River carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 55-042 over Santa Barbara River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns 55-042 over Santa Barbara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.