US Bridges

NM-456 over Cimarron River

Fair

Union County, New Mexico · 22.9 M NE JCT US-64/87 · Structure no. 000000000001095

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
73
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-456 over Cimarron River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-456 over Cimarron River in Union County, New Mexico. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 5 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 73 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 99 by 2043. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

CarriesNM-456
CrossesCimarron River
Location22.9 M NE JCT US-64/87
RouteState Highway 456
Coordinates36.91243, -103.74991
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73 (2023)
Projected traffic99 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-456 over Cimarron River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-456 over Cimarron River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NM-456 over Cimarron River carry?

About 73 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NM-456 over Cimarron River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NM-456 over Cimarron River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.