US Bridges

US-56 over Unnamed Waterway

Good

Union County, New Mexico · 23.5 MI E of JCT NM-39 · Structure no. 000000000007591

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
460
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 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger 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 460 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 625 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.1 mi (145 km).

CarriesUS-56
CrossesUnnamed Waterway
Location23.5 MI E of JCT NM-39
RouteU.S. Route 56
Coordinates36.30471, -103.83867
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 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 traffic460 (2023)
Projected traffic625 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed90.1 mi (145 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-56 over Unnamed Waterway built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 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 460 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-56 over Unnamed Waterway?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 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.