US Bridges

Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · Montana Ave & Houston ST · Structure no. 240720B45000005

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,815
2017 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain is a masonry culvert carrying Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 15,815 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,141 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 148 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMontana-Tularosa
CrossesGovt. Hills Drain
LocationMontana Ave & Houston ST
RouteCity Street 23
CountyEl Paso County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.78367, -106.44511
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width148 ft (45.1 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,815 (2017)
Projected traffic22,141 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain carry?

About 15,815 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 148 ft wide.

Who owns Montana-Tularosa over Govt. Hills Drain?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.