US Bridges

I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw

Fair

Torrance County, New Mexico · 9.1 MI E of JCT US-285 · Structure no. 000000000003038

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
20,607
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw is a concrete culvert carrying I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw in Torrance County, New Mexico. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 88 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 20,607 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,025 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-40 Ebl/Wbl
CrossesEmpedrados Draw
Location9.1 MI E of JCT US-285
RouteInterstate 40
CountyTorrance County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates35.00498, -105.50489
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,607 (2023)
Projected traffic28,025 by 2043
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw 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 January 2022.

How much traffic does I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw carry?

About 20,607 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns I-40 Ebl/Wbl over Empedrados Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.