US Bridges

NM-6 over Rio Puerco

Fair

Valencia County, New Mexico · 14.1 MI W of I-25 · Structure no. 000000000007544

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
356 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,269
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NM-6 over Rio Puerco is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NM-6 over Rio Puerco in Valencia 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 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 1,269 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,725 by 2043. The structure is 356 ft (108.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.2 mi (129 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNM-6
CrossesRio Puerco
Location14.1 MI W of I-25
RouteState Highway 6
CountyValencia County
StateNew Mexico
Coordinates34.79664, -106.99054
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length356 ft (108.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,269 (2023)
Projected traffic1,725 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.2 mi (129 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$1 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NM-6 over Rio Puerco built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is NM-6 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NM-6 over Rio Puerco carry?

About 1,269 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NM-6 over Rio Puerco?

The structure is 356 ft (108.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns NM-6 over Rio Puerco?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.