I-40 Manuelito Interchange
I-40 Milepost 7.9 to 8.9 near Manuelito in McKinley CountyNMDOT Control No. 6101600
PROJECT OVERVIEW
WHERE IS THE PROJECT AREA LOCATED?
The project area is in McKinley County, New Mexico, at the Interstate 40 (I-40) and New Mexico Highway 118 (NM 118) interchange (Exit 8), approximately 3.4 miles east of Manuelito. It includes a one-mile segment of I-40, from milepost 7.9 to 8.9.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has completed a study of this interchange area. Based on the findings, the project is now advancing into the project development phase.
The previously completed study evaluated conditions within the interchange area; however, nearby bridges (Bridge Nos. 3488, 6281, and 6282) were not included.
The project area is near several communities and local facilities, including the Manuelito, Defiance, and Mentmore communities, as well as nearby schools and community centers such as Manuelito Chapter House, Tobe Turpen Elementary School, Gallup Christian School, the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home, and Southwest Indian Ministries – Church of God. Land surrounding the project area includes a mix of private property, Navajo Nation land, and BNSF Railway property.
Figure 1. Project Area Map (click on the image to enlarge).
PROJECT HISTORY
The interchange study began in 2023 and focused on collecting data and identifying the needs for improvement.
In March 2024, NMDOT held a public event at the Manuelito Chapter House to share existing condition data, preliminary alternatives, and gather public feedback, which was included in the evaluation process. In August 2024, NMDOT shared study results and identified a preferred option through a pre-recorded presentation posted on this project website. The study phase was completed in September 2024, and a preliminary design for Alternative 2B was developed.
Due to the project’s cost and type, a Value Engineering analysis was required by state and federal guidelines. The purpose of Value Engineering is to improve a project’s overall value by balancing cost, performance, and quality. That process, completed in 2025, led to the development of a new alternative for the Manuelito Interchange.
FUNDING
Funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State of New Mexico is supporting project design.
While construction funding is not available yet, the District will continue working to secure funding so the improvements can move forward.
NEW INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE
The new interchange alternative developed during the 2025 Value Engineering session features a modern diamond‑style layout. In this concept, NM 118 would cross over I‑40 at a right angle instead of passing underneath at a skew. This design improves bridge performance, reduces overall costs, and creates safer, smoother ramps by removing sharp curves and the offset intersection.
Additional benefits include improved sight distance along NM 118, exit ramps with adequate stopping distance, and entrance ramps that better support acceleration and merging. The speed limit on NM 118 would remain unchanged. This alternative would require some additional private right‑of‑way, and construction would aim to minimize closures to NM 118 and the ramps as much as possible. The design also includes extending Lupton Road to meet the NM 118 intersection.
NEXT STEPS
The study team is wrapping up its work and expects to finish the study this summer. After a final review and approval by FHWA, the team will begin designing the new interchange. The goal is to complete the design by Fall 2027.
County
McKinley
District
District 6
STIP Number
6101600
Status
Study and Design
Contact
Central Region Design
Project Dev. Engineer
PROJECT RESOURCES
EXISTING CONDITIONS
I-40 is the primary west-to-east route to and through central New Mexico and is a primary freight route. In the study area, I-40 is a rural, divided four-lane interstate with a posted speed limit of 75 miles per hour. NM 118 is a rural two-lane highway with a 30-mph posted speed limit. NM 118 follows the route of the former historic Route 66 and parallels I-40 for most of its length. A major element of this study is the I-40 bridge (Bridge No. 6502) over NM 118 at Exit 8. As part of the information gathering stage, the team collected data on the existing conditions for the roadway, right-of-way, bridge, geotechnical, drainage, utilities, safety, traffic, land use, and environmental resources to inform the need for improvements and influence the development of the initial design alternatives.
SOME OF THE EXISTING ENGINEERING FEATURES AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
BRIDGE HEIGHT AND WIDTH CLEARANCE:
The I-40 bridge (Bridge No. 6502) over NM 118 has a height of 13.5 feet and width restrictions. Semi-trucks traveling or diverted to this route do not have enough space to safely travel under the I-40 bridge.
SIGHT DISTANCE approaching I-40 from NM 118:
View of intersection with the I-40 westbound off-ramp approaching NM 118 and the I-40 westbound on-ramp from NM 118. There is a limited view of oncoming I-40 traffic for those entering the on-ramp.
INTERCHANGE TYPE:
The existing I-40 and NM 118 interchange does not meet current design standards and is complex and unclear for drivers to navigate.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
PUBLIC MEETING DETAILS COMING SOON!
Please join us at an upcoming public meeting in June 2025 to be held at the Manuelito Chapter House.
At the meeting, NMDOT will present the new recommended alternative and provide an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback as NMDOT updates the study and moves forward into design.
Additional details about the meeting will be posted here soon.
PREVIOUS MEETING RESOURCES
EVENT #1 – Public Meeting Summary and Comments (PDF)
June 2024
EVENT #1 – Public Meeting Factsheet (PDF)
June 2024
EVENT #2 – Presentation (PDF)
July 2024
EVENT #2 – Factsheet (PDF)
July 2024
View looking west on I-40 near Exit 8 at the interchange with NM 118 (click to enlarge the image).
I-40 Manuelito Interchange
PROJECT TIMELINE
2023
- Gather Existing Conditions Data
- Identify the Needs within the Study Area
2024
- Develop Alternatives and Conduct Detailed Analysis
- Public Event #1 (Spring 2024)
- Preferred Alternative Identified
- Public Event #2 (Summer 2024)
- Phase A/B Study Completed
2025
- Developed Preliminary Design (30%)
2026
- Conducted a Value Engineering (VE) Analysis of the Recommended Concept, resulting in a NEW Interchange Layout
- Public Event #3 (Spring 2026)
- Prepare a Phase A/B Study Addendum