¿Qué Pasa? Employee newsletter of the New Mexico Department of Transportation

This was also the “Year of the Bridge” for NMDOT. From the emergency replacement on I-10 after an oversized-load strike, to recovery-driven replacements in District Two following flooding, to major work on key structures such as the Oñate Bridge and the Gorge Bridge, our teams responded with skill, urgency, and collaboration. These improvements are critical to safety, resilience, and connectivity for the traveling public.” —Ricky Serna, NMDOT Secretary

As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary period for our department. Your work made a real difference in people’s lives. This has been a year defined by hard work, meaningful progress, and unwavering dedication from every corner of NMDOT. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This year, we oversaw nearly 12,000 centerline miles of highway, 31 rest areas, 82 patrols, 54 airports, construction crews, and 28 construction offices. Across the state, we continued to deliver an ambitious program of infrastructure improvements. Our team guided 65 active projects valued at $1.3 billion. We completed 39 projects in 2024 and 38 more so far in 2025, representing more than $926 million in infrastructure brought across the finish line. On the front end of delivery, we also successfully let 25 projects in 2024 and another 18 through September 2025, together totaling more than $709 million in new work entering the pipeline. Our ability to move projects from concept to construction and then to final completion is a testament to the professionalism and coordination that defines our staff statewide. Our investment in communities grew as well. This year, NMDOT awarded over $100 million to 71 projects through the Transportation Project Fund, more than double last year’s investment, and we secured over $62 million in federal grants to expand New Mexico’s transportation opportunities. In addition to managing our own portfolio, we administered more than $700 million in local road infrastructure projects, strengthening county and municipal systems across the state. This was also the “Year of the Bridge” for NMDOT. From the emergency replacement on I-10 after an oversized-load strike, to recovery-driven replacements in District Two following flooding, to major work on key structures such as the Oñate Bridge and the Gorge Bridge, our teams responded with skill, urgency, and collaboration. These improvements are critical to safety, resilience, and connectivity for the traveling public. We reduced vacancies by more than 100 positions and delivered long-overdue compensation improvements, including an average 21% increase for engineers and a 14% increase for highway maintenance workers. We celebrated the first graduates of the Industry Credential Pipeline Program, and yes, we even replaced the “Welcome to New Mexico” signs this year, reminding travelers that modern, engaging infrastructure begins at the state line.

The first phase of the U.S. 180 Four-Lane Safety Improvement Project was recently completed, marking a major upgrade to safety, mobility and regional connectivity in southwest New Mexico. The $41.1 million project expanded U.S. 180 from two to four lanes between Bayard and Hurley, removed the Hurley overpass, realigned the roadway over the railroad tracks and added a new crossing at Pit Access Road, along with pavement rehabilitation, lighting, wider shoulders and upgraded intersections along the 5.14-mile corridor. Funded with $29 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and $12 million in federal and state matching funds, the project finished six months ahead of schedule. NMDOT leaders said the improvements will enhance safety, support local commerce and strengthen community connections. Remaining phases to complete the expansion from Bayard to Deming are in design, with Phase II expected to be finalized by year’s end. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hurley featured Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Secretary Ricky Serna and local officials.

The NMDOT teamed up with local schools across New Mexico to celebrate National Walk to School Month, known as “Walktober.” Students walked designated routes in their neighborhoods to learn and practice pedestrian safety, while staff and students received Vision Zero T-shirts and visibility ribbons to promote safer walking habits. Seventy-one schools across the state participated in National Walk and Roll to School Day during the month.

District Two has completed a $6.18 million highway safety improvement project on U.S. 54 from milepost 2 to milepost 6 near the Texas state line. The project, which began in March 2025 and finished ahead of schedule, included widening the intersection at Angelina Boulevard to add acceleration and deceleration lanes, installing new lighting and adding permanent signage and roadway striping to improve safety and traffic flow. Constructors, Inc. served as the contractor. NMDOT thanked the public for its patience and reaffirmed its commitment to roadway safety across the state.

The $2.8 million state-funded Stanley Bridge Improvements in Milan are now complete. Phase I included the full reconstruction of Stanley Bridge, along with new ADA-compliant sidewalks and upgraded lighting. The project enhances freight and passenger safety and improves access along this heavily traveled corridor, supporting economic growth, attracting potential new tenants to the industrial park, and strengthening opportunities for the Village of Milan and the surrounding community.

Ben Lopez Memorial Best Patrol Award

District One Silver City Patrol as the 2025 recipient of the Ben Lopez Memorial Best Patrol Award, an honor created in memory of patrol supervisor Ben Lopez, who was tragically killed in 2005. The award recognizes excellence and the dedication of transportation workers statewide. Silver City earned the top score of 151.7 points, outperforming five other districts during statewide site evaluations that assessed cleanliness, organization, equipment maintenance, roadway management and overall operations. The patrol was recognized for its strong performance in emergency response, equipment upkeep, fence and guardrail repairs, unpaved roadway management and handling hazardous conditions such as fires and flooding. Members of the award-winning team include staff manager Edward Misquez, supervisor Jerry Montes and maintainers Bryan Gruwell, Steven Roybal and Rito Medina

District Six received the 2025 Statewide Best Project Award for its erosion control and roadway restoration work on N.M. 400 in McKinley County, recognized for outstanding engineering, innovation and teamwork within NMDOT. The project repaired roadway failure and severe embankment erosion along a steep section leading into the Cibola National Forest by extending corrugated metal pipes, installing driven piles, constructing a retaining wall, realigning the road by more than four feet and repaving the damaged area, while also adding two pull-offs for improved safety. Despite difficult terrain, limited workspace and sensitive environmental conditions, all work was designed and completed by district forces safely, on time and within budget. N.M. 400 serves as a vital access route for recreation, local travel and commercial hauling, making the improvement significant for the region. Dedicated District Six contributors include AMS Eugene Hosteen, Bridge Crew Melvin Gray, Darrell Holtsoi, Dale Robertson, Heavy Maintenance Elvis Yazzie, Fernando Yazzie, Paul Marquez, James Cain, Paul Garcia, Wilford Jake, Jarine Johnson, Malakai Spencer, Nabor Mirabal, Ronnie Greene, Marcus Francisco, and Gallup Patrol Stephen Martinez, Guerrero Reyes, Darrell Curley, Joshua King, Abrian Gorman, Derwin Ruiz, Marty Skeet, Vernon Yazzie, Nicholas Tomada, Aaron Skeet and John Alatorre.