US Bridges

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Torrance County, New Mexico · 8.10 MI S of JCT I-40 · Structure no. 000000000003844

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
96 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
3,582
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-285 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-285 over Unnamed Waterway in Torrance County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 85 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 3,582 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,871 by 2043. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 88.2 mi (142 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-285
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location8.10 MI S of JCT I-40
RouteU.S. Route 285
CountyTorrance County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.90113, -105.60491
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJune 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 rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans16
Design loadH 15
Structure length96 ft (29.3 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 traffic3,582 (2023)
Projected traffic4,871 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed88.2 mi (142 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$333,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-285 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway 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 June 2022.

How much traffic does US-285 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 3,582 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-285 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.