Strong winds and blowing dust are sweeping across the southwest—nothing new for New Mexicans! If you're hitting the road, be prepared for gusty conditions, reduced visibility, and the occasional blinding dust storm. As always, check www.nmroads.com before traveling and stay safe out there!
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Message from Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna
Video content by NMDOT Communications
These investments and recognitions reflect our commitment to safer roads, cleaner communities, and a stronger New Mexico.
This year’s legislative session brought exciting wins for NMDOT and the communities we serve. We secured major one-time appropriations, including $16.5 million for rural air service, $12 million for equipment, $65 million for statewide maintenance, and $50 million for wildlife crash prevention. An additional $8 million will support ¡Que Linda! beautification grants, $38 million will enhance rural and tribal infrastructure through the Transportation Project Fund, and $10 million will expand EV charging stations. Another $6 million will go toward improving patrol operations across New Mexico.
Safety and Service awards kicked off April 17, and continuing throughout the summer for all six districts. It’s a meaningful return to in-person recognition—while last year marked the first time districts participated, this year’s celebrations will feel like a true return to the way things used to be as the General Office will host its first Safety and Service Awards ceremony since before the pandemic. Additionally, applications for Alternative Work Locations are being rolled out, offering more flexibility to our team. We’ll also be observing National Work Zone Awareness Week beginning April 21.
Congratulations to District Two for earning a pavement preservation award for their work on N.M. 220. And a huge shoutout to the department for receiving the Howard Pyle Safety Award—NMDOT’s highest safety honor at the Southwest Safety Conference.
Headlines
Respect the Zone—So We All Get Home
A little caution behind the wheel goes a long way on the road—respect the zone so we all get home.
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, Go Orange Day was observed on Wednesday, April 23. We encouraged everyone to wear orange to show solidarity with the dedicated men and women who work diligently to maintain and improve our roadways, as well as to honor the families who have lost loved ones in work zone incidents. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held annually to raise public awareness about the importance of work zone safety, particularly as construction activity increases with warmer weather.
This year’s theme, “Respect the Zone—So We All Get Home,” emphasizes the critical role drivers play in ensuring the safety of both roadway workers and fellow motorists. Please stay alert and drive responsibly through work zones to help protect lives.
Building the future
I-25 bridge milestone paves the way for safer travel. Each precisely positioned beam brings us one step closer to a stronger, more efficient I-25 corridor.
Under the glow of floodlights, massive 40-ton girders were carefully lifted into place over Comanche Road, marking a major leap forward for the I-25 Improved project. With each precisely positioned beam, the framework for a stronger, more efficient corridor took shape. Soon after, crews completed a continuous concrete pour, sealing the new bridge deck—a milestone that promises safer, smoother travel for the 102,000 drivers who depend on this stretch daily. Behind the scenes, the rhythm of progress continued, a testament to the skill and dedication of the workers shaping the future of I-25.
Cleaning up the Land of Enchantment—one mile at a time
With over half a million pounds of trash removed, we're proving that keeping New Mexico beautiful isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment.
The NMDOT allocates approximately $10 million annually to litter control and beautification efforts across New Mexico’s roadways. As part of this commitment, NMDOT launched ¡Que Linda!—an initiative designed to help local governments develop and implement their own beautification programs. Through a contract with ATA Services, an impressive 21,553 man-hours have been dedicated this fiscal year to keeping major routes clean, including I-10 (Anthony to Las Cruces), U.S. 70 in Las Cruces, and I-25 from Las Cruces to Deming. The results are staggering—over 571,000 pounds of trash have been removed from southern New Mexico roadways, significantly improving both safety and the state's natural beauty.
May is National Bike Month
Keep an eye out for bike-related events and festivities at NMDOT during Bike to Work Week (May 12-16). Now is a great time to dust off your bike and get ready to ride!
National Bike Month is a great opportunity to celebrate cycling culture in New Mexico, where wide-open landscapes and scenic byways make biking both practical and inspiring. It promotes healthy living, reduces traffic congestion, and supports sustainability efforts across the state. From community rides to safety awareness events, National Bike Month encourages residents to explore their cities and towns on two wheels—helping to build stronger, more connected communities along the way.
2025 National Planning Conference in Denver
NMDOT’s three-person delegation to the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver made their journey in style. Representing the Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau (MPPB), the team embarked on their first long-distance trip in an electric Ford Lightning from NMDOT’s fleet. Carpooling in an EV not only reduced their carbon footprint but also made for an enjoyable and efficient travel experience. They encourage fellow employees to consider driving electric whenever possible, keeping these key tips in mind:
- Plan ahead–Use the PlugShare EV charging directory to map your route across New Mexico and further afield.
- Consider EV size and efficiency–While the Ford Lightning provides a spacious and comfortable ride, smaller EVs (like the fleet’s Nissan Leaf) offer comparable battery range, faster charging, and easier navigation on crowded city streets.
- Enjoy the stops–The MPPB group took strategic breaks along the route to grab coffee, eat lunch, and stretch their legs while the vehicle charged.
Sweeping the way for faith
NMDOT crews prep roads for Chimayó Pilgrimage!
NMDOT crews from the District Five Cuyamungue and Alcalde Patrols geared up for the annual pilgrimage to Santuario de Chimayó with determination and precision. They hit the roads, sweeping the shoulders around Chimayó, making multiple passes to clear away every last trace of winter’s lingering sand. It was a race against time to ensure the pathways were clean and safe for the thousands of devoted pilgrims making their journey!
Driving safety home at the NMAA tournament
From tip-off to final buzzer, our Traffic Safety team brought their A-game—keeping fans informed and safety in the spotlight!
Our Traffic Safety Division brought the energy to the NMAA Basketball Tournament, engaging with residents and showcasing our programs! 🎉 Our team was on-site daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., kicking things off at the Rio Rancho Event Center on March 12 and 13 before heading to The Pit for the big games on March 14 and 15.
Bringing New Mexico’s Story to the Streets
"Aesthetic treatments express New Mexico’s cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and rich history.” —John Busemeyer, an NMDOT representative
The NMDOT sought public input on a Statewide Aesthetics Plan to shape the visual character of roadways for future generations. The initiative aimed to establish design guidelines for bridges, interchanges, sound walls, rest areas, and landscaping. By incorporating community feedback, the department hopes to create more visually cohesive and culturally reflective transportation corridors. The plan emphasizes regional identity, sustainability, and low-maintenance design solutions. Public meetings and an online survey invited residents to share their vision for New Mexico’s roadways. Ultimately, the plan will guide future projects to ensure they not only function efficiently—but also reflect the beauty and spirit of the Land of Enchantment.
District news
Building bridges, breaking limits
Students put STEM to the test!
The District Two Bridge Section teamed up with ENMU-Roswell’s GEAR UP to host a STEM-powered Bridge Building event for Lake Arthur High School! Students put their engineering skills to the test, crafting bridges designed to stand strong and hold weight—all using the provided materials and a solid dose of STEM know-how.
Career day at Cesar Chavez Elementary took flight
The District One South Region Design Survey crew had a fantastic time at Cesar Chavez Elementary’s Career Day, where we introduced over 180 enthusiastic young learners—from kindergarten to 2nd grade—to the incredible world of drones!
Students got an up-close look at the cutting-edge technology we use at the DOT, learning how drones help surveyors gather crucial data from state right-of-ways. This information plays a vital role in designing and constructing safer, more efficient roadways. The day was filled with curiosity, excitement, and plenty of future innovators taking their first steps toward careers in engineering, design, and technology. Who knows? Maybe one of these bright young minds will be piloting the next big breakthrough in transportation!
Reinforcing safety on U.S. 84/285
Every repair is a step toward safer highways, and the team’s dedication ensures that drivers can navigate U.S. 84/285 with confidence!
The District Five Guardrail Crew was hard at work in the Tesuque area, repairing damaged guardrails to keep motorists safe! With precision and teamwork, the crew removed broken posts and used a powerful auger to clear out dirt and debris from the post holes. Once the area was prepped, new posts were carefully positioned and driven into place using the specialized guardrail truck—securing the roadway for travelers.
Shoutout to District Four’s Des Moines Maintenance Patrol
Keeping roads safe—one cattle guard at a time!
They recently tackled a cattle guard replacement on N.M. 456, digging in and setting it in place. These guards are vital for keeping livestock off the road, preventing accidents, and ensuring safer travels for all!
Huge congratulations to our District Two team
From sealing pavement to battling the elements, our crew nailed the chip seal challenge—and rolled straight into wildfire and flood recovery without missing a beat!
Our incredible crew successfully completed chip sealing on N.M. 220 (mile marker 5-10) as part of the Pavement Preservation competition! Despite a few obstacles, they powered through and finished the job just in time before colder weather rolled into Capitan.
But their hard work didn’t stop there—beyond roadwork, they’ve been dedicating time and resources to the Ruidoso/Mescalero fire and flood cleanup efforts. From ongoing flood mitigation to culvert removal and installation on U.S. 70 in Ruidoso, their commitment to keeping our communities safe and roads in top shape is truly commendable.
Employee recognition
District Five employees of the year
Videos by Alan Gonzales & Paul Sigurdson
District Five team of the year
District Five employee of the year
District Five supervisor of the year
District Six employees of the year
District Six team of the year
District Six employee of the year
District Six supervisor of the year
District Six Best Patrol of the year
Jessi Litz-Rowden Joins NMDOT as New Aviation Director
Jessi Litz-Rowden brings two decades of aviation expertise to NMDOT as the new Aviation Director, with a proven track record in leadership, customer service, and industry innovation.
We are excited to announce that Litz-Rowden has joined NMDOT as our new Aviation Director. Jessi brings 20 years of aviation management and operations experience, with a strong focus on leadership, customer service, and organizational growth. She has been recognized in the Aviation International FBO Survey in 2018, 2020, and 2021 for going “Above and Beyond” in customer service, and was honored with the NBAA’s Inaugural Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2018. Jessi also served as a presenter at the 2018 Women in Aviation International Conference, speaking on FBO Operations and Management. We are thrilled to welcome her passion, expertise, and leadership to our team—please join me in giving her a warm welcome!
Kudos
A huge thank you to our dedicated NMDOT crews who have been working tirelessly during recent dust storms and road closures. With zero visibility due to blowing dust, these men and women endure 12+ hour shifts to manage traffic, assist drivers, and ensure public safety. From overseeing road closures to providing parking and rerouting instructions, they brave harsh conditions—dust in their eyes, ears, and mouths—while remaining committed to keeping our roads safe. When crashes occur, they are the first to respond, offering critical assistance. We appreciate their hard work and resilience in such unpredictable weather—please stay safe and follow their guidance on the roads. From: Executive Staff
Our Power, Our Planet
As Earth Day 2025 approaches, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era. With the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," this 55th anniversary emphasizes our collective ability to harness renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power—to create a sustainable and prosperous future. By uniting to triple global renewable energy generation by 2030, we can significantly mitigate climate change and foster a healthier planet for generations to come. This Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder that through collective action and innovation, we possess the solutions needed to protect and rejuvenate our environment.
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Thank you to the entire Communications Team for their efforts and creativity.