Our hearts are with all those impacted by recent disasters. In New Mexico, three lives were tragically lost in the Ruidoso floods—a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can follow wildfire burn scars. We also extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by the devastating floods in Texas, including those who lost loved ones at Camp Mystic and throughout the region. Please stay alert, travel with caution, and always check www.nmroads.com before you hit the road. Stay safe out there.
Top story
New Mexico battles twin disasters
“Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this resilient community again. This crisis demands immediate action. I signed an emergency declaration request to get federal response teams and repair resources on the ground immediately. We’re encouraged that additional federal resources are already on the way. New Mexico is mobilizing every resource we have, but Ruidoso needs federal support to recover from this disaster. We’ve watched Texas receive the federal resources they desperately needed, and Ruidoso deserves that same urgent response.” —New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
New Mexico is reeling from a one-two punch of natural disasters as wildfires continue to burn across the state and deadly flash floods devastate areas already scarred by last year’s historic blazes. On Tuesday, July 8, the mountain village of Ruidoso was overwhelmed when a powerful monsoon storm dumped heavy rain on the burn scars left by the 2024 South Fork and Salt Fires. With no vegetation to absorb the deluge, water surged across the charred landscape, sending the Rio Ruidoso to a record-breaking 20.24 feet—five feet above the previous high. In minutes, streets became rivers and entire houses were swept away.
First responders, including the National Guard, performed more than 85 swift-water rescues. Despite their heroic efforts, a man and two children were killed, and three people remain missing. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency, releasing $750,000 for disaster relief. Shelters were opened as crews continue rescue and recovery efforts.
This disaster comes amid an already brutal wildfire season. Across the state, lightning-sparked fires—fueled by extreme drought and dry vegetation—have ignited tens of thousands of acres.
“Our crews are doing everything they can to support wildfire response—whether it’s helping with traffic control, clearing access routes, or keeping evacuation paths open. We’re committed to being there for New Mexico communities during this critical time.” —Ricky Serna, Cabinet Secretary
Headlines
NMDOT districts fight to contain flood waters
District One crews are hard at work
Torrential rains in southern New Mexico turned roadways into rivers, carving through the landscape and leaving widespread damage. This video captures the force of the floodwaters and the destruction left behind. In Doña Ana County, District One crews are working around the clock to repair eroded shoulders and restore access. Frontage Roads 1035 and 1037 remain closed due to high water and structural damage. Check nmroads.com for updates—and remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
District Two flood waters rise
Relentless thunderstorms have unleashed heavy rain and flash flooding across southeastern New Mexico, inundating roads in and around Ruidoso and Roswell. NMDOT District Two crews are on the front lines—clearing debris, closing roads, and working alongside law enforcement to protect the public. This video captures just a glimpse of the destruction left behind by the surging floodwaters.
District Three fights back after storm surge
Heavy flooding continues to impact roads and highways across New Mexico. In Belen, a section of N.M. 304 was forced to close after rising water and debris rendered the roadway impassable. The Belen Patrol acted quickly, working around the clock to clear the area and restore safe travel conditions for the public.
District Four flooding
It’s been a week of extreme and unpredictable weather, with flooding taking center stage in New Mexico. NMDOT crews, including the La Cueva Patrol, have been working tirelessly to clear mud and water from inundated roadways. While New Mexico battles flash floods, Wyoming DOT was plowing snow on Beartooth Pass, and in St. Louis, Missouri, record heat caused roads near the Gateway Arch to buckle—highlighting the wide range of challenges road crews are facing across the country.
New $24 million Church Rock Bridge opens, delivering safer paths and stronger connections for community
“This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting New Mexico families and improving access to every corner of our state. Every bridge we build, every trail we construct, and every safety improvement we make helps ensure no family has to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident.” —New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and NMDOT celebrated the opening of a new $24 million steel girder bridge on N.M. 566 near Church Rock, a major infrastructure project that improves safety and accessibility for the community. Spanning the BNSF Railway, the bridge features a dedicated pedestrian trail that keeps residents off the highway and out of harm’s way, alongside full roadway reconstruction, enhanced lighting, upgraded drainage, and improved pedestrian infrastructure. Funded through a combination of federal and state National Highway Performance Program dollars, the 29-month project was a collaborative effort involving NMDOT District Six, the City of Gallup, and the Navajo Nation.
NMDOT launches new “Are You Serious?” campaign to combat impaired driving
“We know the numbers are serious, but our approach doesn’t always have to be somber to make an impact. With this campaign, we’re using humor to start conversations, get people to reflect, and ultimately change behavior.” —Shannon Glendenning, Traffic Safety Division Director
NMDOT is taking a bold, creative step in the fight against impaired driving with its latest summer campaign, “Are You Serious?” As part of the ongoing ENDWI initiative, the campaign blends humor with relatable storytelling to spotlight dangerous driving behaviors—particularly those involving alcohol and drugs. In 2023 alone, New Mexico saw an alcohol-involved crash occur every four hours, with 164 lives lost to alcohol-related crashes, accounting for 38% of all traffic fatalities. Even more concerning, crashes involving teens and drivers under 21 impaired by alcohol hit a ten-year high. To cut through the noise and reach drivers—especially younger ones—“Are You Serious?” delivers its message through fast-paced skits and improv comedy hosts, using humor as a tool to grab attention and make safety messages stick.
New Mexico sees decline in pedestrian fatalities in 2024
“This reduction in pedestrian fatalities marks progress toward our Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic-related fatalities by 2050. However, this still means 94 lives lost—94 people in our community who didn’t make it home in 2024. We remain committed to doing everything we can to change that.” —Ricky Serna, Cabinet Secretary
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has released its Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data report, showing a 4% decrease in pedestrian fatalities in New Mexico. In 2024, the state reported 94 pedestrian deaths, down from 108 in 2023. While this marks progress, New Mexico still holds the highest per-capita pedestrian fatality rate in the nation. NMDOT is advancing pedestrian safety through infrastructure upgrades, public education, and data-driven planning rooted in the Safe System Approach, which focuses on safer people, speeds, vehicles, roads, and post-crash care. In August, Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons will be installed in Hobbs (U.S. 62/180, North Marland Boulevard) and Lovington (U.S. 82, Main Street), with studies showing the devices can reduce fatalities by up to 45%. Additionally, a project in Albuquerque will implement Pedestrian Activated Warning Systems (PAWS) on Louisiana Boulevard to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing. As part of its broader effort, NMDOT will host the 2nd Annual Transportation Safety Summit and Tribal Safety Summit on Sept. 16–17 in Albuquerque, bringing together professionals in roadway design, enforcement, behavioral safety, and emergency response. More information is available at dot.nm.gov/target-zero.
Fallout and remembrance: New Mexico honors Trinity Downwinders 80 years later
They were there before the blast—and they lived with its shadow long after.
On July 16, 2025, New Mexico marked the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test with the dedication of a new roadside sign honoring the Trinity Downwinders—residents of the Tularosa Basin who lived near the blast site and experienced lasting health and environmental impacts. NMDOT, in accordance with House Memorial 50 passed earlier that year, installed the sign at the intersection of U.S. Highway 380 and N.M. 525 near the Trinity Site, where the first atomic weapon test was conducted on July 16, 1945. A public dedication ceremony was held at the site to unveil the sign and formally recognize the sacrifices of those affected by the historic event.
Intersection dedication ceremony honors Sgt. Felix R. Barela
He and his section held their position under intense enemy fire, repelling multiple assaults until reinforcements arrived.
On July 17, NMDOT held a dedication ceremony officially naming the Las Vegas South Interchange on Interstate 25 as the Sgt. Felix R. Barela Veterans Memorial Interchange. Sgt. Barela, a native of Las Vegas, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and served with Battery C, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism on March 26, 1968, when he and his section held their position under intense enemy fire in Vietnam. His other honors include the Purple Heart and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. In recognition of his service, the New Mexico State Transportation Commission unanimously passed a resolution on March 27, 2025, to rename the interchange in his honor and to pay tribute to all veterans from San Miguel County.
Taos Pueblo, NMDOT celebrate completion of Rio Lucero Road Project
This partnership shows what’s possible when state and tribal communities work together to improve infrastructure and safety.
The Taos Pueblo recently celebrated the completion of its Rio Lucero Road Improvement project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by tribal leaders and representatives from the NMDOT. Funded largely through NMDOT’s state-backed Transportation Project Fund, the $4.46 million project received 95% of its funding from the department, with the Pueblo contributing the remaining 5%. The improvements included new drainage structures, curbs, gutters and water retention vaults to enhance flood control and safety. The event began with a Welcome Prayer and the Taos Pueblo Flag Song before dignitaries offered remarks and cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the roadway. The Transportation Project Fund empowers local communities to lead and manage their own transportation projects with state support.
Crews dig in on Hyde Park Road
This road is more than pavement—it's the gateway to some of northern New Mexico’s most iconic outdoor experiences.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) announced the successful completion of the $3.5 million roadway rehabilitation project on N.M. 475, also known as Hyde Park Road, which is now fully reopened to the public. The project began in fall 2024 but was placed in winter suspension due to cold temperatures and moisture. Work included patching and reinforcing deteriorated sections of the roadway and repaving seven miles in both directions.
This vital stretch of roadway serves as the main access route to popular destinations like the Santa Fe National Forest, Hyde Memorial State Park, and the Ski Santa Fe resort. Its completion is welcome news for skiers, hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on N.M. 475 year-round to explore the region’s high country and scenic trails. With a safer, smoother roadway, the gateway to outdoor adventure is now more accessible than ever.
New Mexico adopts “Idaho Stop” for cyclists
Bicyclists can now treat stop signs as yields, red lights as stops
New Mexico has joined a dozen other states in adopting the "Idaho Stop" law, which allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Senate Bill 73, signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and effective July 1, permits cyclists to slow and yield at stop signs without coming to a full stop, and to proceed through red lights after stopping, if the way is clear. The change aims to improve safety and reflect the differences between bicycles and motor vehicles at intersections, according to NMDOT Active Transportation Planner Elsa Goossen.
Strap in or pay up: Don’t let your load be the road hazard
Would I feel safe driving behind my own vehicle? That’s the only question that matters.
Before hitting the road—even for a short trip—drivers should ask, “Would I feel safe driving behind my own vehicle?” According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, unsecured loads cause about 730 deaths and 17,000 injuries annually, with 81% of those crashes involving everyday vehicles. To prevent these incidents, drivers should secure loads by covering them with a tarp or netting, tying down cargo with heavy-duty straps or rope, securing large items directly to the vehicle, avoiding overloading, and double-checking that everything is secure on all sides.
I-25 project reaches milestone as crews prepare for major lane shift
Shifting traffic to the new pavement keeps the project on track and allows us to focus on rebuilding the heart of the interstate—improving safety and traffic flow for years to come.
Crews have reached a major milestone on the I-25 Improved—Comanche to Montgomery project, completing reconstruction of the outside lanes between Candelaria Road and just south of Montgomery Boulevard—including the new bridge over Comanche Road.
District news
NMDOT's future workforce
Students GEAR UP
NMDOT Training Academy recently brought its portable heavy equipment simulator to Mountainair High School, giving students a hands-on opportunity to test their skills on machinery used in daily NMDOT operations. The simulator featured equipment such as a backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck, and motor grader. The event was sponsored by Mountainair High School and GEAR UP New Mexico to help spark interest in transportation careers among local youth.
From backpacks to blueprints, Monte Vista students get a roadmap to engineering
Students at Monte Vista Elementary School got a firsthand look at how roads are designed and built, thanks to a special visit from the NMDOT South Region Design team. NMDOT employees Ernesto Santillano, Kaitlin Ellison and Juan Limas led the interactive session, introducing students to the basics of transportation engineering and explaining how roads like the ones they use every day are planned and constructed. The visit aimed to spark interest in engineering and public service among the next generation. The event offered a hands-on learning experience, highlighting the role of transportation in students’ daily lives and giving them an early glimpse into careers that help connect communities across New Mexico.
Paving the future of engineering
NMDOT’s Engineer-in-Training Rotation and Licensure Program
NMDOT is proud to develop the next generation of transportation professionals through its Engineer Licensure Program (ELP)—a premier initiative that gives new engineers hands-on experience and a fast track to professional licensure. From day one, participants are immersed in real-world projects across multiple engineering disciplines, with mentorship and field exposure that prepares them to shape New Mexico’s roads and communities. The two-phase program starts with rotations through key NMDOT divisions—such as Bridge Design, Traffic Engineering, Construction, Maintenance, and Environmental Planning—followed by permanent placements as Engineer Interns.
Currently, 13 participants are active in the program, with three more joining soon. They come from top institutions including NMSU, UNM, ASU, UTEP, and the University of Arizona. A key milestone is the FE exam, and NMDOT supports participants with resources like the School of PE. This year, 40 employees are enrolled in FE and PE prep, with several already passing their exams.
The ELP is more than training—it’s a career launchpad. For example, Isai Ramos, a Phase One participant, recently delivered two major pavement projects on I-25 totaling $50 million and 80 lane miles, gaining valuable design and project management experience.
To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with an engineering degree, pass the FE exam within 10 months, and pursue PE licensure in New Mexico within four years. NMDOT offers excellent benefits, including PERA retirement, full insurance, generous leave, and competitive pay—up to $85,000 annually after FE certification. If you're ready to grow your engineering career and make a lasting impact, the ELP is your gateway to the future of transportation in New Mexico.
Employee recognition
Kudos
District One stepped in a big way, collecting an impressive 218.5 pounds of food to be donated to the Roadrunner Food Bank. Thanks to your genorosity, families in need across New Mexico will receive essential food and support. A special thank you to the Associated Contractors of New Mexico (ACNM) for sponsoring the 2025 NMDOT Food Drive!
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Credits:
Thank you to the entire Communications Team for their efforts and creativity.