Santa Ana Pueblo breaks ground on intersection project

Just a reminder that people have until noon Friday to submit ideas for this year's New Mexico Department of Transportation's snowplow contest.

SAFETY CONCERN: On Dec. 17, the Santa Ana Pueblo and NMDOT broke ground on a $2.4 million intersection improvement project that officials hope will ameliorate traffic safety at N.M. 313 (Route 66) and Dove Road on the Santa Ana Pueblo.

"It's not only a safety concern of the tribal members," Santa Ana Pueblo acting Lt. Gov. and police officer Joe Montoya said in a phone interview, "but also the surrounding communities and people that are passing through. It's a huge concern."

N.M. 313 will be expanded to include a turning lane on Dove Road to provide safer access in and out of the pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo Gov. Myron Armijo said in a news release.

Work is scheduled to start in January and take 18 months to complete, Armijo said.

Montoya said work will take place during business hours.

"We will have officers out there doing patrols and if anybody is confused, sometimes we get wrong-way drivers, we'll do our best to mitigate those issues," he said.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS: The Federal Highway Administration and NMDOT will be replacing the Interstate 25 truss bridges over Nogal Canyon between San Antonio and Truth or Consequences. 

Work will also include widening I-25 through the canyon, drainage improvements and new signage and striping. 

Over four million vehicles — including one million semi-trailers — drive over the bridge every year, project manager Jason Carlaftes said in a video.

"I-25 is a critical connector between Socorro, Truth or Consequences and statewide travel," he said. "Updating this portal for long-term reliability is essential for residents, freight and emergency response."

The project's final design is expected to be completed in summer 2026 with work slated to begin in early 2027. During construction, there will be temporary lane changes, short-term detours and closures and work-zone speed limits put into place, according to an NMDOT District 1 PowerPoint presentation.

NMDOT District 1 spokesperson Ami Evans said the project will take 400 working days. 

The three-span Warren truss bridges were built in 1968.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS: NMDOT is reminding people to avoid distractions such as cellphone use and eating while driving.

"Also, pay attention to wildlife crossing signs," an NMDOT Facebook post states. "Dusk and dawn are when most animals, especially deer, are more active. Reduce speed and use high beams to increase reaction time, especially in high-risk areas and curves."

Also, people should obey all traffic laws and practice safe driving habits, i.e. maintaining a safe following distance, scanning the roadway ahead and remaining calm and attentive behind the wheel, according to NMDOT.

I hope some of you enjoyed a Happy Hanukkah while others have a Merry Christmas on Thursday. And may 2026 be filled with peace, love, prosperity and grand adventures.

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820