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¿Qué Pasa? NMDOT employee newsletter August—January 2025

The New Mexico Department of Transportation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the tragedies of American Eagle Flight 5342 and the Blackhawk helicopter crash. We honor the lives lost and extend our deepest sympathies to their loved ones—may their memories be a source of strength and comfort. We also stand with the courageous firefighters battling the wildfires in California, especially in Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and we send strength and hope during this difficult time. #LAstrong #CalFire

Top story

NMDOT launches largest construction project in decades

Video content by NMDOT Communications

A $268 million investment, the I-25 Improved project will enhance safety, reduce travel times, and address Albuquerque’s growing traffic demands by 2040.

NMDOT celebrated the groundbreaking of the I-25 Improved: Comanche to Montgomery project, a $268 million investment and the largest in recent history. Scheduled for completion by Spring 2027, the project will enhance safety, reduce travel times, and replace aging infrastructure while addressing Albuquerque’s growing traffic demands. Over 102,000 daily trips pass through this corridor, with traffic expected to increase significantly by 2040. Construction will begin with shifting travel lanes inward, allowing work on the outer lanes to minimize delays during peak hours. Key components of the project include:

  • Widening I-25: Adding a southbound lane to alleviate congestion.
  • Bridge Construction: Building new bridges at the Comanche and Montgomery interchanges.
  • Advanced U-Turns: Implementing "Texas U-turns" to improve traffic flow.
  • Shared-Use Paths: Creating barrier-separated paths at interchanges to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
NMDOT broke ground on the I-25 Improved: Comanche to Montgomery project, a $268 million investment to enhance safety, reduce travel times, and address Albuquerque’s growing traffic demands. Set for completion by Spring 2027, the project will improve a corridor handling over 102,000 daily trips, with traffic expected to grow significantly by 2040. Photography by Miguel Fierro
I-25 Improved, a $268M project between Comanche and Montgomery, adds lanes, new bridges, and shared-use paths to enhance safety and reduce congestion, with completion expected by spring 2027.

Headlines

NMDOT announces winners for 2025 name a snowplow contest—drumroll, please!

  • District One: Snow Bueno, Snow Way, José!
  • District Two: Scoop Dogg, Chips & Que Snow
  • District Three: Alice Scooper, Taylor Drift
  • District Four: Blizzard of Oz, Red Chilly Brrrr-ito
  • District Five: Clear-o-Pathra, Blizzard Wizard
  • District Six: Zia Later, Snow; En-CHILL-ada

NMDOT is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Name a Snowplow contest. Thank you, New Mexico, for submitting the most unique, fun, and New Mexico-inspired names for our hardworking snowplows. These trucks played a vital role in keeping communities connected and roads safe during the winter months—be sure to watch for our newly named plows on roads near you!

NMDOT funds $1.4 million Rural Air Service Enhancement Grant for Angel Fire

“The Rural Air Service Program is directly aimed at creating economic opportunities for small communities throughout the state. We are pleased to have Angel Fire be the recipient of this grant and benefit from this new flight.” —Secretary Ricky Serna

Seasonal commercial flights from Albuquerque to Angel Fire launched on December 19, 2024, through Advanced Air, connecting Albuquerque International Sunport to Colfax County Airport. Supported by a $1.4 million Rural Air Service Enhancement grant, the service aims to boost tourism and improve travel for local residents. Using nine-passenger King Air 350 aircraft, the flights provide a quick, affordable option starting at $81. Officials, including NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna, celebrated the inaugural flight with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Operating six weekly flights during holidays and five thereafter, this partnership enhances access to Angel Fire’s renowned recreational and healthcare opportunities.

Seasonal flights from Albuquerque to Angel Fire began Dec. 19, 2024, via Advanced Air, offering quick, affordable travel starting at $81. Supported by a $1.4M grant, the service boosts tourism and local access. —Photography by Miguel Fierro
Soar to Angel Fire in style! 🛩️ With nine-passenger King Air 350 aircraft, enjoy a quick and comfy journey starting at just $81

NMDOT Secures $62 million in federal grants for key projects

These grants will enhance safety, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practices while fostering collaboration with our Navajo Nation partners.

NMDOT received $62 million in federal grants for safety, efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. A $30.4 million INFRA grant will fund safety and freight efficiency improvements on I-40 over Rio Puerco in McKinley County, replacing deteriorating bridges and reconstructing approaches to ensure reliability and safety. A $29.8 million Low-Carbon Transportation Materials grant will support the creation of a program to reduce carbon intensity in construction materials like asphalt and concrete. A $1.85 million Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems grant will fund a Building Information Modeling (BIM) program to integrate asset data with GIS systems. This pilot program will collaborate with Navajo Nation partners.

NMDOT FY26 budget focused on sustainability and growth

“This session, NMDOT will focus on leveraging non-recurring funding while increasing recurring revenues to meet long-term infrastructure needs." —Secretary Ricky Serna.

NMDOT presented its FY26 $1.25 billion budget request to the Legislative Finance Committee, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure growth. The budget includes $526.6 million in federal highway funds, $477 million from the State Road Fund, and $91.1 million for maintenance. Special appropriations total $350 million, with $175 million for maintenance, $150 million for construction, and $25 million for air service and beautification. Capital outlay requests include $31.2 million for facility improvements and $20 million for EV infrastructure. The budget also supports safety programs, rural air service, and energy-efficient projects across the state.

"This session, NMDOT will focus on leveraging non-recurring funding while increasing recurring revenues to meet long-term infrastructure needs." —Secretary Ricky Serna

NMDOT awards $52 million to local governments for FY 25 projects

District One ($8.3 million for 8 projects), District Two ($10 million for 9 projects), District Three ($7.6 million for 6 projects), District Four ($7.9 million for 10 projects), District Five ($9.2 million for 7 projects), and District Six ($8.1 million for 8 projects).

NMDOT awarded $52 million to 48 projects statewide through its Transportation Project Fund Program. This program supports development across counties, municipalities, and tribal governments, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation. NMDOT covers 95% of project costs, with local municipalities contributing the remaining 5%. Projects include environmental studies, planning, design, construction, and infrastructure acquisition for highways, streets, bridges, and parking facilities. The program empowers local entities to prioritize community projects with minimal funding match and district support.

Projects include environmental studies, planning, design, construction, and infrastructure acquisition for highways, streets, bridges, and parking facilities.

NMDOT hosted a symposium on the future of transportation

Investments in transportation are key to building multimodal, walkable, and bikeable communities that reduce dependency on private vehicles and advance sustainability.

NMDOT hosted a symposium on Nov. 18, bringing together 260 participants, including tribal leaders, legislators, and community advocates, to discuss the future of transportation in New Mexico. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham addressed key challenges such as funding, safety, decarbonization, and NMDOT’s diverse responsibilities.

Topics included electric vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. Panels explored innovations in materials and technology to combat climate challenges and strategies for creating multimodal, walkable, and bikeable communities. The event highlighted efforts to modernize the grid, electrify fleets, and expand transportation to support sustainability statewide.

Experts discussed EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and sustainable transportation, highlighting innovations to combat climate challenges and build multimodal, walkable communities.

NMDOT creates Traffic Safety Garden

Ingraining positive traffic safety habits in children is an important part of the behavior change New Mexico needs.

NMDOT launched a traffic safety campaign in October during Pedestrian Safety Month. As part of the campaign, NMDOT opened a Traffic Safety Garden on its Santa Fe campus with Cabinet Secretary Serna and the Little Explorers preschool class.

The garden, located off Cerrillos Road near building SB-1, is open to the public throughout the month. It features a mini transportation system where children can practice traffic safety behaviors, such as using crosswalks and recognizing signs, in a safe environment. The design mimics New Mexico roads, teaching children to be safe pedestrians and future drivers.

New Mexico agencies announce $4.7 million in beautification grants

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, joined by Bryan Cranston reprising his role as Walter White, is leading the campaign to raise awareness. Governor Lujan Grisham will also advocate for expanded anti-litter programs in 2025.

Three state agencies have awarded $4.7 million in grants to 97 local entities for projects to make New Mexico cleaner and more beautiful, as part of the #BreakingBadHabits campaign. The NMDOT allocated $2 million for litter reduction programs, the Tourism Department distributed $1 million for statewide beautification, and the Environment Department awarded $800,000 for recycling and dumping prevention.

Building a Cleaner, More Beautiful New Mexico. #BreakingBadHabits

NMDOT launches Legislative Appropriation Project Dashboard

“This tool ensures transparency, allowing residents to follow funding and progress by project and district.” —Secretary Ricky Serna

NMDOT launched a dashboard to track 2024 legislative appropriation projects funded by House Bill 2 and Severance Tax Bonds. With $190 million for roadway maintenance and $320 million for major construction, the dashboard highlights NMDOT’s efforts to improve infrastructure and road safety statewide.

NMDOT launches new Electronic Permitting System

NMDOT has launched electronic permitting, a secure, user-friendly electronic system for managing permits online. This streamlined platform provides applicants and NMDOT agents with a centralized location to handle applications for permits such as access, fencing, roadway work, and more. Visit NMDOT Permitting to submit applications, access FAQs, instructions, video tutorials, and other resources for a more efficient and consistent permitting process.

District news

La Bajada Roadway Reinforcement Project

Completed six months early and $3.5 million under budget, the La Bajada Roadway Reinforcement Project sets a new standard for safety and innovation on New Mexico’s highways.

NMDOT, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and state and county officials celebrated the completion of the $40 million La Bajada Roadway Reinforcement Project. Completed six months ahead of schedule and $3.5 million under budget, the project addressed long-standing roadway instability along this critical corridor.

Using innovative stabilization techniques, the project involved installing 1,000 concrete soil-mixed shafts beneath 1.5 miles of I-25 to reinforce the roadway. This engineering solution not only improved the structural integrity of the highway but also enhanced safety and reliability for thousands of daily commuters and freight operators. The success of the project highlights NMDOT's commitment to sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure improvements that benefit New Mexico's residents and economy.

Rattlesnake Rest Area $20 million reconstruction project kicks off

Rattlesnake Rest Area on I-40 underwent a $20M transformation, featuring new restrooms, upgraded parking, and improved water systems, reopening in late 2025.
Rattlesnake Rest Area on I-40 reopened after a $20M upgrade, featuring new restrooms, picnic shelters, improved parking, and updated water systems. —Photography by Miguel Fierro

The NMDOT, with Weil Construction, Inc., began a $20 million project at the Rattlesnake Rest Area on I-40 in Torrance County in January 2025. The rest area closed on January 6 for 300 days, reopening by late 2025. The project included demolishing old facilities, constructing new 2,850-square-foot restroom buildings, rehabilitating picnic shelters, upgrading passenger and truck parking, and improving the water and sewer systems. Both the eastbound and westbound rest areas will be fully reconstructed as part of the investment to enhance safety and convenience for travelers.

$1.9 million bridge rehabilitation begins on U.S. 84

U.S. 84 bridge near Fort Sumner underwent rehabilitation, including concrete repairs and roadway reconstruction, with completion set for summer 2025.
Bridge rehabilitation on U.S. 84 near Fort Sumner included concrete repairs, an epoxy overlay, and roadway reconstruction, set for completion by summer 2025.

District Two, with Meridian Contracting, Inc., rehabilitated the U.S. 84 bridge at milepost 1 near Fort Sumner. The project included concrete repairs, an epoxy overlay, and roadway reconstruction, with completion set for summer 2025. A single-lane closure and temporary traffic signals were in place, along with a 10-foot width restriction requiring wide and oversized loads to use alternate routes.

District Three opens new bridge in Jarales on N.M. 109

“The bridge will improve connectivity, invest in the future of Jarales and Belen, and provide a safe, modern transportation route that promotes economic development.” —Secretary Ricky Serna

District Three completed a $33.16 million bridge project on N.M. 109 in Jarales. The 15-month project, which began July 5, 2023, included a new bridge over the railroad tracks, 0.701 miles of rebuilt roadway, improved drainage, erosion control, striping, and signage. Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna praised the design and construction teams and the partnership with BNSF Railroad, which provided funding. The bridge enhances safety, connectivity, and economic development for Jarales and Belen. Wilson & Company designed the project, with FNF Construction as the contractor and Guzman Construction, Valley Fence, and Bogan Brothers as subcontractors.

District Three completed a $33.16 million bridge project on N.M. 109 in Jarales, improving safety and connectivity. The 15-month project included a new bridge over the railroad, rebuilt roadway, and improved drainage. Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna praised the partnership with BNSF Railroad, which provided funding, and the design and construction teams. —Photography by Miguel Fierro

Truth or Consequences roundabout ribbon cutting in District One

Roundabouts improved safety, reduced conflict points, and enhanced pedestrian and cyclist connectivity along Date Street.

Improvements to I-25 Business Loop 11 (Date Street) focused on safety and infrastructure upgrades, including access management, sight distance corrections, and pedestrian and cyclist connectivity. Roundabouts were identified as the best solution. The single-lane roundabout at N.M. 181 improved business access, added sidewalks, and reduced conflict points. The double-lane roundabout at New School Road and Smith Avenue resolved intersection issues, reduced crash risks, and enhanced pedestrian safety.

Best Programs

Best Patrol

The 2024 Ben Lopez Memorial Best Patrol Award, honoring a patrol supervisor lost in 2005, went to D1’s Cliff Patrol with 153.2 points. Excelling in cleanliness, organization, equipment maintenance, and roadway management, they resurfaced grounds and upheld high standards. Led by Supervisor Regan Carillo, the team includes Richard Marquez, Miguel Apodaca, Carlos Medran, Steve Rodriguez, Juan Sifuentes, and Curtis Jandt. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Best Project (photo on the right)

NMDOT awarded D1 the 2024 Statewide Best Project Award for the N.M. 152 Emergency Landslide Repair near Emory Pass. Prolonged wet weather caused soil expansion, cracking, and hillside instability at milepost 33.5, prompting NMDOT to close the road for safety. Heavy Maintenance Crew 41-88 replaced 250 square feet of saturated base course, installed 2,000 tons of new base, upgraded drainage, and applied asphalt, completing the repair in just 45 days. The project restored this vital rural arterial, showcasing D1’s teamwork and rapid response.

D2 Best Practice

Our D2 Risk Department (Armando Serrano, David Reed, and Michael Snow) has enhanced work zone safety by adding an additional training element to new employee orientation. New hires now complete First Aid/CPR, Defensive Driving, and Certified Flagger Training within their first two days.

The Risk team, certified as Traffic Control Supervisors through ATSSA and ACNM, conducts all flagger training in-house and has successfully certified and re-certified office staff, maintenance crews, and construction teams. Great work, D2!

Digging deep: Research Bureau’s Zuni Bowl initiative

The study evaluated the feasibility and long-term viability of Zuni Bowls as erosion control solutions for NMDOT-managed areas.

Throughout New Mexico, erosion control structures known as Zuni Bowls have been constructed using hand-placed riprap or native rocks to prevent undercutting by flowing water. The NMDOT Research & Climate Bureau managed a one-year study, conducted by Rio Grande Return, to assess the effectiveness of Zuni Bowls and One Rock Check Dams as erosion control solutions for drainage issues impacting roadway infrastructure.

As part of the study, NMDOT hosted a workshop on Nov. 5, 2024, where staff constructed miniature models and visited full-scale examples near the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. The study evaluated the feasibility and long-term viability of these structures.

NMDOT recognizes Pierrot Bendegue as Senior CPS Technician

“We deeply appreciate Pierrot’s commitment to child passenger safety. He’s worked tirelessly to ensure children’s safety and educate parents statewide.” —Traffic Safety Staff Manager Leann Adams

Pierrot Bendegue became the first NMDOT employee certified as a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Senior Technician. This honor reflects his dedication to child safety and passion for protecting children. The National CPS Certification Training, a four-day course, equips participants to educate caregivers on proper car seat use. Bendegue earned his senior certification after being observed by CPS instructors at November car seat clinics. To become a CPS technician, email Jeremy Manzanares at jmanzanares@safernm.org.

¿Qué Pasa?

Brought to you by NMDOT Communications.

Created By
Matthew Hunt

Credits:

Thank you to the entire Communications Team for their efforts and creativity.

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