Santa Fe — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) received the 2025 Perpetual Pavement Award from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, recognizing exceptional long-term performance and preservation of a historic section of New Mexico Route 6, part of the original Route 66 alignment.
The recognized segment is a nine-mile portion of Route 6 west of Los Lunas, originally opened in 1928 as part of Route 66. Remarkably, it has never experienced a structural failure, despite nearly a century of use, extreme temperature swings, difficult soil, and seasonal monsoons.
“We’re proud to preserve the legacy of this iconic roadway while ensuring it continues to serve New Mexicans safely and efficiently,” said Ricky Serna, cabinet secretary.
“New Mexico’s approach shows how smart engineering can preserve history while building for the future,” added Dan Lewis, executive director of the Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico.
This durability reflects NMDOT’s use of innovative asphalt technologies, engineered drainage, reinforced subgrades, and sustainable maintenance strategies. At no point has the pavement structure been increased by more than four inches, maintaining its historic character while meeting modern performance standards.
The award was presented on Sept. 18, during the New Mexico State Transportation Commission meeting, honoring NMDOT’s commitment to engineering excellence, cultural preservation, and infrastructure sustainability.
Since 2001, the Asphalt Pavement Alliance’s Perpetual Pavement Award program has honored only 217 pavements across 36 states and Canada. To qualify, roads must last at least 35 years without a major structural failure — a benchmark New Mexico’s Route 6 has far exceeded.
“This national recognition places New Mexico at the forefront of infrastructure preservation, just as we approach Route 66’s centennial,” Serna said. “It reflects our values of preserving the past, serving the present, and planning for the future.”
Commissioned in 1926, Route 66 represents a symbol of American mobility and resilience beyond its function as a highway. New Mexico is home to the longest remaining stretch at 474 miles and will play a leading role in centennial celebrations throughout 2026.
