US Bridges

Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito

Good

Taos County, New Mexico · 0.15 MI E/O JCT FSR 437 · Structure no. 030204000035725

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito in Taos County, New Mexico. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesFs Road 478
CrossesRio Chiquito
Location0.15 MI E/O JCT FSR 437
RouteFederal Lands Road 478
Coordinates36.31277, -105.42523
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2021)
Projected traffic35 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m).

Who owns Fs Road 478 over Rio Chiquito?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.