I 40 - Corridor Reconstruction

Several projects are currently underway on Interstate 40. With portions of the highway more than 40 years old, the reconstruction is extremely necessary to improve the condition of the highway and create a more efficient and safer path for drivers traveling through the area.

I 40 - Rio Puerco Interchange

COMPLETED - Construction consists of milling and overlaying of 1.5 miles of I-40, reconfiguring the ramps at the Rio Puerco interchange, reconstructing a small portion of I-40 and drainage work.

Rail Runner Phase II

The second phase of the $400 Million Rail Runner project—part of Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership—will provide commuter rail service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The Mid-Region Council of Governments and the New Mexico Department of Transportation are developing the strategy for implementing commuter rail.

Rail Runner

The first component is to conduct a Transportation Corridor Analysis for the segment from Albuquerque to Santa Fe to evaluate the viability of various modes of transportation including High Occupancy Lanes (HOL), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Commuter Rail.  The study will include an implementation plan on any recommended options.  The completed study will be utilized to pursue funding through the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) and Federal Rail Administration (FRA) dependent on the transportation mode to be pursued.

I 40 - Coors Interchange

COMPLETED - The existing interchange is a 1960 vintage and currently carries an estimated 140,000 vehicles per day.  This interchange is the hub of the Albuquerque Westside traffic circulation with the 20-year traffic projections estimated to be 225,000 vehicles per day.  The interchange has exceeded its useful life both structurally and functionally.  This area has grown dramatically with both residential and commercial activities.  Improvements will include new bridge construction with proposed ramp configurations similar to the Big I.  Reconstruction of this interchange will provide for the efficient movement of traffic reducing congestion and improving air quality.  Because of the complexity in reconstructing the interchange and the need for rapid construction to accommodate the traffic volumes and minimize delays to the public, this is a candidate for a Design/Build project.

I 40 - San Mateo Interchange

COMPLETED - Built in the 1960's, the San Mateo Interchange crossing I-40 currently handles a traffic flow of 50,000 cars a day. In the next 20 years, that number is expected to grow to more than 60,000. Rebuilding this interchange will accommodate the reconstruction and widening of I-40, address the current interchange geometric deficiencies, reduce the interchange congestion and improve traffic flow and replace the aging bridge.

I 40 - Westbound Tramway to Pennsylvania

COMPLETED - This is the first leg of Interstate 40 to get much needed resurfacing work along the westbound lanes. Currently, I-40 is showing its age of 40 years with crumbling lanes and potholes. The westbound lanes will be repaved in one of eight phases that'll rebuild the I-40 corridor from Juan Tabo to Carlisle . Just this phase of the project will cost a little more than $21 million, paid for by Governor Richardson's Investment Partnership (GRIP).

I 40 - San Mateo to Pennsylvania

COMPLETED - The purpose of the proposed Interstate 40 corridor improvements is to reconstruct a much needed deteriorating pavement section while improving corridor safety and capacity.  The approximately $20 million project includes reconstruction of the interstate from San Mateo to Pennsylvania.

I 25 - Tramway to Bernalillo

Reconstruction of the segment from Tramway to the Bernalillo Interchange to a six-lane facility.  The metropolitan traffic volumes have increased significantly creating much congestion.  The six-lane facility will improve the traffic flow and reduce congestion and delays. 

I 40 - Carnuel to Sedillo Interchange

COMPLETED - Reconstruction of existing East Bound and West Bound lanes to accommodate heavy truck traffic. Reconstruction is also needed to address geometric features that do not meet current design standards. This stretch of I-40 was built in the mid-1960s and has undergone periodic mill & inlays over the years on roughly an eight-year cycle. Deterioration has increased to the point that it is in constant need of attention.

US 491 - Shiprock to Colorado State Line

The deficiencies of the existing highway will be corrected through reconstruction and widening.  The improvements extending from Shiprock to the Colorado State Line will connect northwestern New Mexico to the surrounding region and will enhance economic development.

US 491 - Tohatchi to Shiprock

The existing facility is a two-lane road with almost non-existent shoulders and no passing opportunities.  The corridor has experienced a high accident rate with numerous fatalities, primarily head on crashes.  The proposed improvements include reconstruction and widening of the existing facility to a four-lane road from Tohatchi to Shiprock.  The improvements will significantly enhance the safety and provide economic opportunity for northwestern New Mexico.

US 62 - Texas State Line to Carlsbad

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the existing two lanes to an enhanced two-lane facility with widened shoulders and periodic passing opportunities. This section of roadway is severely deteriorated. This route accommodates tourists going to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is the most visited park in New Mexico. 

I 40 - Newkirk to Tucumcari

Reconstruction of existing East Bound and West Bound lanes. This section of interstate currently maintains 54% heavy truck traffic and is rising each year. The current roadway structure is deteriorating.

I 40 - West of Gallup

COMPLETED - Reconstruction of existing eastbound and westbound lanes to include soil stabilization and replacement of poor subgrade soils. The original roadway was constructed on a clay subgrade and was not intended to maintain 54% heavy truck traffic (10,000 to 15,000 trucks daily).

I 40 - Thoreau East

Reconstruction of various sections of existing East Bound and West Bound lanes to include stabilization of poor subgrade soils. This section of I40 currently carries 54% heavy truck traffic and is very rough, raveled, and oxidized. Improvements are needed to provide a safe and stable roadway for increasing loads, freight, and travelers.

I 40 - Carlisle to Juan Tabo

COMPLETED - Reconstruction of existing East Bound and West Bound lanes from Carlisle to the mouth of Tijeras Canyon. Work also includes interchange reconstruction. This roadway was originally built out of concrete in the 60's and underwent rehabilitation in the late 70's in an effort to gain an additional 10 years of roadway life. This roadway is currently 15 to 20 years beyond it design life.

US 54 - Tularosa to Vaughn

This corridor is currently a two-lane facility with no shoulders, no passing zones and various deficient areas.  The US 54 corridor is part of the SPIRIT Corridor extending from El Paso to Kansas City.  This corridor is utilized by traffic generated by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The traffic composition is largely heavy commercial truck traffic, with a large volume of passenger cars with a second vehicle in tow headed into Mexico.  The proposed improvements include an “enhanced two lane”, a two-lane road with periodic passing opportunities.  The improvements will increase the safety of the corridor, promote economic opportunities within our state and with bordering economies and accommodate the growing traffic volumes.

I 40 - Central to Coors

COMPLETED - Reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing East Bound and West Bound lanes. This stretch of the Interstate is badly oxidized and rutted due to heavy truck traffic.

US 54 - Vaughn to Santa Rosa

COMPLETED - The US 54 Project from Santa Rosa to Vaughn is currently under a partial suspension and will go into a full suspension for the winter.  The Contractor, Fisher Sand & Gravel, Inc., will return when the weather is conducive to completion of placement of the final skid resistant surface on the roadway. 

I 40 - Laguna Pueblo to Mesita

Reconstruction and improvement of I-40 at various locations from Laguna to Mesita. The sub-grade in many areas has failed and is no longer suitable for carrying heavy truck traffic. Soil stabilization, new base course and hot mix will be placed to address these areas. 

US 64/87 - Raton to Clayton

The New Mexico segment of US64/87 is designated as a high priority in the Ports to Plains Corridor, which extends from the Mexico border at Laredo, Texas to Denver, Colorado.  This corridor is recognized as important to international trade and economic development having receiving Congressional earmark money to begin study and development.  The corridor carries a high percentage of heavy commercial truck traffic and has a high incidence of severe traffic accidents, most notably a recent crash with five fatalities.  The proposed improvements include reconstruction and widening to a four-lane highway to enhance safety and provide for economic opportunity.

I 40 - Canoncito to Rio Puerco

COMPLETEDFour-lane reconstruction of both eastbound and westbound lanes. Work will include sub-grade repair, base course, new pavement, and drainage improvements. 

I 40 - Moriarty Interchange

COMPLETED - Reconstruction of exiting East and West Bound lanes to replace badly deteriorating pavement and drainage system. This section serves heavy commercial truck traffic as well as commuter traffic from Moriarty.

I 10 - Texas State Line to Las Cruces

Reconstruction of existing lanes and expansion from a four-lane to a six-lane highway to accommodate high commuter and commercial traffic from El Paso. This is a major corridor for east to west coast transport of goods and services. As such, it may be evaluated as a transportation corridor for analysis of other transportation modes.

US 84/285 - Pojoaque to Espanola

US 84/285 is the primary north-south surface transportation facility that exists within the north-central region of New Mexico. Rapid growth within this area of the state has resulted in significant traffic increases along this corridor; containing approximately 24,000 vehicles per day. This traffic volume projection is expected to reach 46,000 vehicles by the year 2026. The US 84/285 corridor project from Pojoaque to Espanola is currently undergoing reconstruction to accommodate growing traffic needs and to correct existing deficiencies causing traffic jams. 

NM 45 (Coors Blvd) I-25 to Central Ave

Reconstruction of existing two lanes to include both urban and rural sections. Urban sections will include utilities, sidewalks, curb and gutter, lighting, drainage and signals at major intersections. Rural sections will include 8 ft shoulders. This road serves as the main access for commuters from the south valley.

I 40 - Pennsylvania Bridge

COMPLETED - The existing Pennsylvania Street Bridge over Interstate 40 (I-40) was constructed in 1962 as part of the I-40 construction through Albuquerque. Pennsylvania Street currently carries approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. Pennsylvania Street (and the bridge) serves as an alternate route to Menaul (north) and Lomas (south) Boulevards for residents living in the area between Louisiana (west) and Wyoming (east) Boulevards. In addition, Pennsylvania Street provides the public and emergency services access to Winrock Mall, Expo New Mexico, Kaseman Hospital, businesses, residences, and places of work.

NM 128 - Jal to Texas State Line

Realignment and reconstruction of the first ten and one-half miles in order to relocate the roadway away from salt lakes. Reconstruction and improvement of the remainder of the route to address severely deteriorated surfacing and poor subgrade. Improvements will include widened lanes and shoulders.

NM 11 - Columbus to Deming

Improvements provide for widening of existing shoulders and reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing lanes to an enhanced 2-lane facility. This corridor is a major link for imports from Mexico and provides a vital link for economic development.

US 60 - Abo to Willard

Reconstruction, rehabilitation and improvement of existing lanes to an improved two lane facility. Improvements include widening of shoulders, replacement of pavement and replacement of drainage structures.

US 56 - Springer East to Abbott

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing lanes to an enhanced two-lane facility. Improvements include widened shoulders, replacement of pavement and replacement of drainage structures. This stretch of highway is a major travel route to and from Texas and Oklahoma to the recreational areas of northern New Mexico.

US 380 - Tatum to Texas State Line

Reconstruction of existing two lanes to include shoulder widening and drainage structure replacement. The existing roadway is severely deteriorated and distressed due to heavy oil field truck traffic. This will improve the mobility of people and goods in the area.

US 380 - Capitan to Hondo

Reconstruction of existing two lanes to include shoulder widening, pavement replacement and drainage structure replacement with emphasis on the cultural, natural and historic resources of the area. The existing roadway is severely deteriorated and distressed. This will improve the mobility of people and goods in the area.

US 64 - Rio Arriba County Line to US 84

Reconstruction and shoulder widening of various sections of roadway. Improvements include bridge replacement, drainage structure replacement and pavement replacement. This route serves as the primary route for tourism to Chama and Pagosa Springs from US550 and Dulce.

NM 8 - Eunice to Jct US 62 W of Hobbs

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the existing lanes with the addition of 8 ft. shoulders. Improvements include replacement of drainage and pavement structures. This facility is a main corridor for oil field traffic and is vital to the local economy.

US 285 - Encino to Clines Corners

COMPLETED - Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the existing northbound lanes to include replacement of drainage and pavement structures. The northbound lanes in this section were not addressed on previous projects. 

US 84 - South of Romeroville

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing lanes and the addition of 8 ft. widened shoulders. Improvements include replacement of drainage structures, guardrail, major concrete box culverts and existing pavement. This route is a major connection between I-40 at Santa Rosa and I-25 near Las Vegas and carries a high volume of commercial traffic.

NM 26 - Deming to Hatch

Reconstruction and improvement of various sections of existing lanes. Improvements include replacement of existing pavement structure, construction of 8ft widened shoulders, guardrail, drainage structures. This corridor is a major link between I-10 and I-25 and a vital link for economic development.

NM 83 - Lovington East to NM 132

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the deteriorated existing two lanes with the addition of 8 ft widened shoulders. Improvements include replacement of pavement structure, drainage structures, guardrail, permanent signing and striping. This facility is a main corridor for oil field traffic and is vital to the local economy.

NM 209 - West to Grady (Clovis Area)

COMPLETED Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the deteriorated existing two lanes with the addition of 6 ft widened shoulders. Improvements include replacement of pavement structure, drainage structures, guardrail, permanent signing and striping.

US 84 - North of Ft. Sumner to Santa Rosa

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the deteriorated existing two lanes with the addition of 8 ft widened shoulders. Improvements include replacement of pavement structure, soil stabilization, drainage structures, guardrail, permanent signing and striping.

US 62 - Eddy/Lea County Line to Texas S/L

Enhanced two-lane facility. Reconstruction and improvement of existing two lanes with the addition of 8 ft widened shoulders. Improvements include replacement of pavement structure, drainage structures, guardrail, permanent signing and striping. The existing roadway is severely deteriorated and is a main corridor for oil field truck traffic.

US 285 - Clines Corners to Lamy

US 285 is the designated route for the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) from Los Alamos to Carlsbad. This stretch is the only remaining two-lane segment of the entire corridor. The proposed improvements include reconstruction and widening to four-lanes. This will complete the 4-lane from Carlsbad to I-25. This segment also provides a link from I-25 to I-40 and carries a notable amount of commercial truck traffic.

US 180 - Deming to Bayard

Reconstruction and widening of the existing roadway to an enhanced two-lane facility. Improvements include construction of passing lanes, replacement of pavement structure, soil stabilization, replacement of drainage structures, guardrail, permanent signing and striping. This roadway serves as a vital link to the southwest region and is also a vital link for the local economy.

I 25 - University Extention to Rio Bravo

Reconstruction of existing interchange at Rio Bravo and I25 with new construction for connection to University and Mesa del Sol. This project will provide access to the Journal Pavilion at an estimated cost of $30 million. Completion of this project will require partnerships and investments by various entities. The NMDOT proposes to participate in this investment that will improve the safety and efficiency of the interchange and provide for economic opportunities.