RAISE THE RAILS
U.S. Highway 64 Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in Taos County, Milepost 242.5 to 242.85NMDOT Control No. 5102000
OVERVIEW
Located on U.S. Highway 64 (US 64), about eight miles west of the junction with New Mexico Highway 522, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers breathtaking views of the deep canyon carved by the Rio Grande.
The bridge is owned and maintained by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, while the surrounding lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Taos Pueblo. Together, these stewards help preserve both the structure and the remarkable landscape it overlooks.
The west side of the gorge is recognized as part of a designated National Natural Landmark, highlighting its exceptional geological and scenic value. In addition, the Rio Grande through this area has been designated a Scenic River, underscoring its importance as both an ecological and cultural resource.
Completed in 1965, the bridge spans 1,272 feet in length and rises approximately 650 feet above the Rio Grande, making it one of the highest bridges in the United States and currently the 7th tallest. The structure is 36 feet wide, with two 4-foot sidewalks and two 14-foot driving lanes. Its design features three continuous steel truss spans (300/600/300 feet), allowing it to stretch gracefully across the gorge while complementing the surrounding landscape.
A 1963 as-built plan of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge elevation view.
View of the existing railing along the bridge.
View of bridge typical section.
A 1980’s photograph of the bridge spanning the Rio Grande Gorge.
Within a year of its opening, the bridge received national recognition from the American Institute of Steel Construction, earning first place for “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge, Long Span.” In the late 1990s, it was formally recognized for its historical and engineering significance with listing on the State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places.
While the bridge is widely celebrated for its beauty and significance, it has also been the site of tragic loss over the years. This reality has strengthened ongoing efforts to improve safety, raise awareness, and support those in need.
Commitment to Safety and Community
A project is underway to raise the railings on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, reflecting a strong commitment to public safety and community well-being.
The NMDOT is working to enhance safety while preserving the bridge’s historic character and structural integrity, ensuring it remains a lasting symbol of connection and safe travel. NMDOT conducted two feasibility studies to evaluate potential improvements. These studies considered structural performance, maintenance, cost, and environmental and cultural impacts.
Raising the railings was identified as the most effective and practical solution to improve safety while maintaining the bridge’s iconic design.
Raising the Rails: A Safety Improvement Approach
The design team is currently developing plans to raise the rails on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The project will include removing the existing 4-ft railing and replacing it with a new, higher steel railing system. The new design will feature steel members more than twice the height of the existing railing and will angle inward over the sidewalk to reduce opportunities for climbing or breaching. To maintain the bridge’s visual character, the new steel railing will be coated with paint to match the existing color of the structure.
Long-term Engineering Solutions Moving Forward
Raising the bridge railings remains a top priority for NMDOT. Funding—approximately $8 million has been identified within the current budget, allowing the project to move forward without delay. The project is advancing through key milestones, including public engagement, final design, bidding, and construction, with ground breaking anticipated in late 2026/early 2027. It is also included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which guides the delivery of federally supported transportation projects.
Ongoing Safety Improvements at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
A range of coordinated actions is underway at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to enhance public safety, support people in crisis, and advance the long-term project to raise the bridge railings.
Immediate safety measures have already been put in place.
Pedestrian access to the bridge was closed on September 22, 2025, to reduce immediate risk. At the same time, contract security staffing was increased to provide 24-hour coverage, with personnel stationed at both ends of the bridge and a rover patrolling the span. Security staff also monitor the nearby rest area for safety concerns, including vandalism, vending issues, and individuals in crisis. Visibility has been strengthened through vehicle markings, uniforms, and patrol procedures that ensure a consistent and recognizable presence. The NMDOT is investing approximately $22,000 per week to maintain these enhanced operations.
Support for people in crisis has also been expanded.
In partnership with the New Mexico Health Care Authority, mental health response strategies are being integrated into bridge operations. This includes customized Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training tailored to the bridge environment, helping staff recognize and respond to individuals in distress. Security personnel have received nationally accredited, evidence-based training designed to support people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Public awareness and crisis resources are being strengthened.
In collaboration with the New Mexico Health Care Authority, awareness signage has been installed along the bridge, along with artist-designed wraps for emergency call boxes. These call boxes feature artwork created by local artists and are presented in both English and Spanish, helping ensure messages are accessible and culturally meaningful.
The signage highlights the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available 24/7. The 988 Lifeline connects individuals with trained counselors who can help with mental health concerns, emotional distress, substance use challenges, or simply when someone needs someone to talk to. Support is always available. Blue signs with white lettering have been placed in both directions across the bridge to ensure visibility and easy access to these resources.
988 LifeLine Resources
Collaboration and community engagement remain central.
NMDOT continues to work closely with the Taos County Sheriff’s Office, behavioral health partners, advocacy organizations, and community members through regular coordination meetings. These efforts ensure transparency, strengthen partnerships, and support shared goals of improving safety and preventing future tragedies.
Looking Ahead
Today, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge remains both a vital transportation link and a popular destination, offering visitors the opportunity to stop, take in sweeping views, and experience the dramatic beauty of northern New Mexico. To ensure its long-term durability, the bridge underwent a major rehabilitation in 2012, which included structural steel repairs as well as improvements to the deck, sidewalks, ramps, curbs, and gutters.
Looking ahead, the NMDOT plans to recoat the entire bridge in 2027 as part of ongoing preservation efforts to maintain the structure’s integrity. This work is expected to take place following the installation of the new railings.
What to Expect During Rail Construction
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and will include removing the existing railing and installing new, stronger railing sections.
Trained inspection staff use a truck-mounted under-bridge basket to safely access and examine hard-to-reach areas of the structure.
A specialized inspection team uses bridge access equipment, commonly known as a “Snooper,” to safely inspect, assess, and carry out repairs on all areas of the bridge. This equipment allows crews to reach difficult-to-access sections while maintaining worker safety and minimizing disruption to traffic.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE
WHEN: Thursday, May 7th, 2026, starting at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sagebrush Inn & Suites, Chamisa Room, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571
We hope to see you there!
Community input is an important part of this process. Residents, stakeholders, and interested parties will have opportunities to share feedback as potential improvements are developed and reviewed.
Need Assistance?
For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations and/or more information call or email Laura Rios at 480-619-3564 or at laura.rios@hdrinc.com.
Por favor comuníquese al (480) 619-3564 si desea esta informacion en Español.
County
Taos
District
District 5
STIP Number
5102000
Status
Design
Contact
Jeanne Wolfenbarger
Project Development Engineer