Journal's newest Road Warrior columnist has put in the mileage to develop his expertise

Editor’s note: Gregory R.C. Hasman is the new writer of the Journal’s ever-popular Road Warrior column, which publishes on Mondays. This is his debut offering. For questions, concerns, comments, or tips, email him at ghasman@abqjournal.com.

Greetings. My name is Gregory Hasman, and I love roads.

In the past three years, I have driven about 75,000 miles across the U.S., including all over New Mexico.

There are great roads in all corners of the state, ranging from State Highway 104, which runs from Las Vegas to Tucumcari, to State Highway 80. N.M. 80 runs from Rodeo to Road Forks. Both are near the Arizona state line.

There is also something special about driving down Route 66 and seeing iconic roadside attractions like Sal Lucero’s Whiting Bros. station in Moriarty or stopping to take a picture of a sunrise on N.M. 152 between Interstate 25 and Hillsboro.

Closer to home, one cannot go wrong with admiring the beautiful Sandias while showing off their new or classic car down Highway 313 between Bernalillo and Albuquerque on a late Sunday afternoon.

But enough about me and some of my favorite drives. Let’s start digging into the asphalt.

I-25 BRIDGE FUNDING: For those who make frequent trips to southern New Mexico on Interstate 25 (and I have made a few), expect a major change by Nogal Canyon.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently announced it was awarded $71 million in grant funding that will go toward the I-25 Nogal Canyon Bridge Replacement Project in Socorro County.

According to NMDOT, the existing truss bridges contain nonredundant steel tension members, and the superstructures have experienced deterioration. The project will also include the flattening of the descent grade into the canyon.

“The grant funding will help the department replace aging bridge structures, keeping the traveling public safe and ensures the movement of people and goods along the I-25 corridor,” NMDOT Chief Engineer David Quintana said.

WATCH OUT FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN: With classes soon to be back in session, it is time to think about the kiddos going to and from school.

NMDOT released some suggestions to motorists that include:

Slowing down in school zones where speed limits tend to be 5-10 mph below the posted speed limit.

Drivers must stop behind a school bus with flashing lights. The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children entering or exiting the bus.

Always stop for crossing guards holding a stop sign.

Watch for children darting out from between parked cars or from school buses.

Yield to pedestrians walking on a crosswalk.

Do not stop on a marked crosswalk or impede a pedestrian’s pathway at a marked intersection.

IN THE COMING WEEKS: I will look for interesting topics about various streets and highways across the area and state.

What are some of your concerns while driving? What are your favorite roads to travel on, either in the metro area or across the Land of Enchantment? Is there a road name or highway number you have always been curious about?

You can send any concerns or questions related to roads to ghasman@abqjournal.com.

For now, though, here are two questions to ponder as we inch closer to the fall:

• What roads did you take the children on during summer vacation this year?
• Do you remember the first highway you drove on?