US Bridges

NM-55 over BNSF Railroad

Poor

Torrance County, New Mexico · 0.2 MI S of JCT US-60 · Structure no. 000000000006254

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
233 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
606
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-55 over BNSF Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-55 over BNSF Railroad in Torrance County, New Mexico. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 606 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 824 by 2043. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesNM-55
CrossesBNSF Railroad
Location0.2 MI S of JCT US-60
RouteState Highway 55
CountyTorrance County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.51691, -106.24063
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 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
CrossesRailroad
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$460,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-55 over BNSF Railroad built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-55 over BNSF Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does NM-55 over BNSF Railroad carry?

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

How long is NM-55 over BNSF Railroad?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NM-55 over BNSF Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.