US Bridges

NM-562 over Garcia Creek

Fair

Union County, New Mexico · 14.0 MI W of JCT NM-402 · Structure no. 000000000007346

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
101 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-562 over Garcia Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-562 over Garcia Creek in Union County, New Mexico. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 95 by 2043. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-562
CrossesGarcia Creek
Location14.0 MI W of JCT NM-402
RouteState Highway 562
CountyUnion County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates36.17116, -103.3154
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2023)
Projected traffic95 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$164,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-562 over Garcia Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-562 over Garcia Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does NM-562 over Garcia Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is NM-562 over Garcia Creek?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NM-562 over Garcia Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.