A major road construction project between Albuquerque and Santa Fe has been completed ahead of schedule, bringing relief to drivers in the area. On Tuesday, state and local officials celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the multi-million-dollar renovation.
Previously, the stretch of I-25 leading up to La Bajada Hill was known for its rough ride. However, after two years of intensive work, motorists can now enjoy a much smoother journey. “This road is used by 35,000 vehicles daily,” noted Ricky Serna, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
The project, which addressed a critical problem with road stability, has faced numerous challenges. The instability was attributed to a water table beneath La Bajada Hill. In response, the NMDOT, in collaboration with other partners, launched a $40 million construction effort in 2022. The upgrade featured advanced ground-monitoring systems and improved drainage to ensure long-term stability.
Jim Garcia, Executive Director of Associated Contractors of New Mexico, remarked, “When I first arrived, I was told by the team here, ‘We built that road,’ highlighting the significance of this achievement.”
The redesign included the installation of 800 ten-foot-wide concrete columns and a revamp of 5,800 feet of highway. As of Tuesday, traffic on this portion of the interstate was flowing smoothly for the first time in two years. Additionally, provisions have been made for a potential future southbound third lane.
