Rio Puerco Bridge, New Mexico
Journeying westward from Albuquerque, New Mexico, along the storied path of Route 66, travelers are treated to a captivating descent. The road gracefully winds down Nine Mile Hill, unveiling the expansive Rio Puerco Valley below. Here, amidst the arid landscape, the Rio Puerco Bridge stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and a tangible link to the past. It spans the dramatically eroded banks of the Rio Puerco River, a waterway known for its unpredictable nature.
The valley itself holds historical significance as the location of Laguna Pueblo, a community inhabited by Puebloans since the 13th century. Their enduring presence adds another layer of depth to this already rich landscape. The Rio Puerco Bridge isn’t just a structure; it’s a gateway to understanding the interplay between human endeavors and the powerful forces of nature.
The Rio Puerco River’s reputation for intense flooding and severe erosion posed a significant challenge to early bridge construction. Recognizing this volatile environment, the State Highway Department made a deliberate choice in selecting a Parker through truss bridge design for the Rio Puerco Bridge. This particular design was chosen to eliminate the need for a center pier, a vulnerable point that could easily be swept away by raging floodwaters. The absence of a central support significantly reduced the risk of washouts, ensuring the bridge’s longevity and reliability.
The construction of the Rio Puerco Bridge was a direct result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s efforts to combat the Great Depression. In 1933, the federal government allocated emergency funds for highway construction projects, and the bridge became a beneficiary of this initiative. Within a year, construction was completed, and the bridge opened the Laguna Cutoff, providing a more direct route for transcontinental traffic. This shortcut significantly improved travel times and facilitated the movement of goods and people across the region. By 1937, the alignment was officially designated as part of U.S. Route 66, solidifying its importance in the nation’s transportation network.
The Kansas City Structural Steel Company was responsible for the bridge’s design, bringing their expertise to bear on this crucial infrastructure project. F.D. Shufflebarger oversaw the construction process, ensuring that the bridge was built to the highest standards. The Rio Puerco Bridge boasts a 250-foot long span, making it one of the longest single-span steel truss bridges constructed in New Mexico. This impressive length highlights the engineering prowess required to overcome the challenges presented by the Rio Puerco River.
The bridge’s design incorporates ten panels, each measuring 25 feet long. A defining characteristic of Parker truss bridges is the varying angle of the top cord on each panel. This feature contributes to the bridge’s structural integrity and its distinctive visual appearance. The 25-foot-wide deck, constructed of concrete with an asphalt surface, rests upon steel stringers. This combination of materials provided a durable and reliable surface for vehicles to traverse. The Parker truss design was a popular choice during the late 1920s and 1930s, prized for its strength and efficiency. It proved particularly well-suited for the Rio Puerco Bridge, which had to withstand the constant threat of flooding that had claimed previous bridges along the river.
In 1957, modifications were made to the truss structure. The lower portal struts were removed and replaced with lighter struts positioned higher up, increasing the clearance beneath the bridge. Metal guardrails were also added to protect the truss members from damage. These improvements ensured the bridge’s continued functionality and safety for motorists. For many years, the Rio Puerco Bridge faithfully served travelers along Route 66, becoming an integral part of the iconic highway. When Interstate 40 was completed, the bridge transitioned into a section of the frontage road that ran parallel to the interstate.
The historical significance of the Rio Puerco Bridge was formally recognized in 1997 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation acknowledged its importance as a valuable example of early 20th-century engineering and its contribution to the development of transportation in New Mexico. In 1999, the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department constructed a new bridge to accommodate modern traffic demands. However, the historic bridge was preserved, ensuring that future generations could appreciate its unique design and historical context.
Although the old Rio Puerco Bridge is no longer open to vehicular traffic, it remains accessible to pedestrians. Visitors can walk across the bridge, experiencing a tangible connection to the past. From this vantage point, one can observe the original alignment of Route 66 as it gently curves and dips, gradually fading into the vast expanse of the New Mexico desert. The bridge provides a unique perspective on the landscape, offering a glimpse into the history of travel and transportation in the region.
The Rio Puerco Bridge stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who sought to overcome the challenges posed by the natural environment. Its Parker truss design, its historical significance as part of Route 66, and its preservation as a pedestrian walkway make it a compelling destination for history buffs, engineering enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to connect with the spirit of the American West. It’s more than just a bridge; it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of human connection to the land.