US Bridges

NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway

Fair

Torrance County, New Mexico · 8.5 MI S of JCT US-60 · Structure no. 000000000005433

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2020
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
125 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
606
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway in Torrance County, New Mexico. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 606 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 824 by 2043. The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-55
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location8.5 MI S of JCT US-60
RouteState Highway 55
CountyTorrance County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.43452, -106.19289
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionNovember 2020
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 rating55.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38 m)
Longest span7 ft (2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic606 (2023)
Projected traffic824 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$415,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-55 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 November 2020.

How much traffic does NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 606 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2 m).

Who owns NM-55 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.