US Bridges

NM-304 over San Juan Canal

Fair

Valencia County, New Mexico · 9.2 MI N of JCT US-60 · Structure no. 000000000003303

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,039
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-304 over San Juan Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-304 over San Juan Canal in Valencia County, New Mexico. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 3,039 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,133 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-304
CrossesSan Juan Canal
Location9.2 MI N of JCT US-60
RouteState Highway 304
CountyValencia County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.55015, -106.75551
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 18 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,039 (2023)
Projected traffic4,133 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$390,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-304 over San Juan Canal built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-304 over San Juan Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does NM-304 over San Juan Canal carry?

About 3,039 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-304 over San Juan Canal?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NM-304 over San Juan Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.