US Bridges

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Union County, New Mexico · 8.8 MI W of JCT US-87 · Structure no. 000000000005698

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
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 1941, so it is 84 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 680 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS-56
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location8.8 MI W of JCT US-87
RouteU.S. Route 56
Coordinates36.38649, -103.32184
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic680 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$51,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-56 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

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 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 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.