US Bridges

61-000 over Rio Puerco

Fair

Valencia County, New Mexico · 6.3 M W JCT I-25/EXIT 191 · Structure no. 000000000006486

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
168 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
339
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

61-000 over Rio Puerco is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 61-000 over Rio Puerco in Valencia County, New Mexico. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 339 vehicles a day, projected to reach 461 by 2043. The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries61-000
CrossesRio Puerco
Location6.3 M W JCT I-25/EXIT 191
RouteCounty Highway 61000
CountyValencia County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.63669, -106.89983
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length168 ft (51.2 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic339 (2023)
Projected traffic461 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$278,000 (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 61-000 over Rio Puerco built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 61-000 over Rio Puerco 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does 61-000 over Rio Puerco carry?

About 339 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is 61-000 over Rio Puerco?

The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 61-000 over Rio Puerco?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.