'It's a nightmare now': NMDOT to start Rio Bravo bridge reconstruction; work scheduled to be done in 2029

The New Mexico Department of Transportation will soon be starting an over $100 million project on Rio Bravo Boulevard, which will include the replacement of two bridges between Second Street and Isleta Boulevard.

NMDOT assistant district engineer Isaac Chavez said on Thursday that while preparation work for the project is slated to begin on Nov. 18, the start of the construction could be pushed back if the New Mexico Gas Co. does not move a pipeline.

It depends on whether the gas company "could really get in there and do it," he said.

The pipeline needs to be moved because it is "affixed" to a Rio Bravo bridge, Tim Korte, a spokesperson for the gas company, said in an email. The work was supposed to be done by October but it was pushed back to January due to contractor issues, he said.

"We regret the additional time this work is taking, and we apologize for the inconvenience related to the delayed installation," Korte said.

The completion of the bridge project, which is expected to take place in spring 2029, could be pushed back three to six months because of the delay, Chavez said.

'A nightmare now'

Some people in the South Valley said the Rio Bravo bridge project is a good thing while others think it will cause a bad traffic situation to get worse.

"It's a nightmare now," said Marcia Fernandez, South Valley Coalition of Neighborhood Associations secretary. "I know the reconstruction of the bridges (is) important, but Rio Bravo is a parking lot right now. ... My son lives on Rio Bravo and he will probably be driving toward Los Lunas to go north into town. I'm not sure what is going to happen."

Along with a new bridge going over the Rio Grande, the project will consist of replacing another bridge along the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District drains and canal, adding new sidewalks, signal system updates, multi-use trails and making drainage improvements, according to NMDOT.

The cost of the project is $117 million, about twice as much as the Rio Bravo Interchange project ($52.5 million) that was completed in 2019, NMDOT District 3 spokesperson Kim Gallegos said.

NMDOT will keep two lanes open in each direction, Chavez said.

"Drivers should expect the same lane access they are experiencing now for peak hour driving in the morning and afternoon commutes," he said. "The contractor will be adjusting access accordingly to keep traffic flowing the best it can. There may be some delays, but commuters can expect a wider bridge with pedestrian access once it (is) completed."

RAKS Building Supply General Manager Jerry Fields said business, which has declined since work on a separate Second Street project began, will get worse with the bridge replacements. RAKS is at the corner of Rio Bravo and Second Street.

"Business is down 30% and they haven't even started the bridge project," he said. "(Customers') biggest concern is they don't want to come into this area because it's so bad. If business keeps up this way, I'll be forced to lay off people."

According to an Oct. 21 NMDOT public meeting PowerPoint, business access should be maintained during the project.

Chavez said NMDOT takes peoples concerns seriously, which is why maintaining two lanes in each direction is so important so it does not cause too much disruptions or negatively impacts local businesses.

Work will be done from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, though the contractor may work longer hours and on weekends as needed. Pedestrian access will be provided. The Paseo del Bosque Trail under Rio Bravo will be closed, however, according to the NMDOT PowerPoint.

Atrisco Heritage Academy High School Principal Anthony Lovato said while he expects some headaches, "I feel like this construction is long overdue." The school is at Dennis Chavez Boulevard and 118th Street SW.

"When it's all said and done," he said, "I think it's definitely going to benefit the community."