US Bridges

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Union County, New Mexico · 9.5 MI E of US-87/CLAYTON · Structure no. 000000000002342

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,564
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway is a concrete culvert carrying US-56 over Unnamed Waterway in Union County, New Mexico. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,564 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,127 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 85.1 mi (137 km).

CarriesUS-56
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location9.5 MI E of US-87/CLAYTON
RouteU.S. Route 56
Coordinates36.50612, -103.03301
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic1,564 (2023)
Projected traffic2,127 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed85.1 mi (137 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 US-56 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does US-56 over Unnamed Waterway carry?

About 1,564 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.