I-25 Nogal Canyon Bridge Replacement Project
PROJECT UPDATES
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is replacing the Interstate 25 (I-25) truss bridges over Nogal Canyon at Milepost 107 in Socorro County. The project received $71.25 million through FHWA’s Bridge Investment Program to support replacement of the aging Nogal Canyon bridges.
Built in 1968, the existing Nogal Canyon bridges (No. 6776 and No. 6777) are located on I-25 between Socorro and Truth or Consequences. The project area includes lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the State of New Mexico.
The existing bridges will be replaced with two new single-span, cast-in-place concrete segmental bridges. The project will improve safety, enhance long-term reliability and maintain regional connectivity along this important freight and travel corridor
PURPOSE & NEED
The project will:
- Improve safety for drivers and freight traffic
- Protect the environment by reducing erosion and improving slope stability
- Maintain regional connectivity for residents, tourists and commercial freight
- Support the long-term reliability of New Mexico’s interstate network
SELECTED BRIDGE DESIGN
The selected design includes two new single-span, cast-in-place concrete segmental bridges, one northbound and one southbound.
Key benefits of the selected design include:
- Keeping major construction activity out of the canyon below
- Eliminating the need to acquire new right-of-way from Bureau of Land Management and state lands
- Reducing overall project costs
PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS
The project includes:
- Replacement of the existing northbound and southbound bridge structures
- Realignment and widening of I-25 through Nogal Canyon
- Drainage improvements to the existing slopes and canyon areas
- Slope stability improvements, including slope protection and grading
- New signing and striping to improve visibility and safety
PROPOSED TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING CONSTRUCTION
The updated project presentation explains how traffic is proposed to remain open in both directions throughout bridge reconstruction. The proposed approach uses temporary crossovers and phased traffic shifts to maintain one lane in each direction while creating safer work areas for construction. Drivers should expect lane shifts, reduced speeds, short rolling closures and active work zones. Emergency access will be maintained throughout construction.
Phase 1: Temporary Crossovers
One lane will remain open in each direction on the existing bridges while temporary crossovers are constructed in the median for later construction phases.
Phase 2: Northbound Bridge Construction
Approaching the bridges, traffic will temporarily shift onto the existing southbound roadway to create a safer work zone.
One lane will remain open in each direction across the existing bridges while the new northbound bridge is constructed.
Phase 3: Southbound Bridge Construction
Traffic will shift to the completed northbound roadway near the beginning and end of the project corridor.
One lane will remain open in each direction on the new northbound bridge while the new southbound bridge is constructed.
Final Condition
Traffic will operate on the two new northbound and southbound bridges, with two lanes open in each direction.
UPDATED PROJECT RESOURCES
Updated Presentation (PDF) - July 2026
Learn about the proposed traffic control plan for reconstruction of the I-25 Nogal Canyon bridges and review the updated project presentation.
Construction is anticipated to begin early 2027.
For assistance, language translation, or ADA accommodations, please contact: Clarissa Cervantes at clarissa.cervantes@wsp.com.
Para solicitar asistencia, servicios de interpretación en su idioma o adaptaciones razonables conforme de la ADA, comuníquese con: Clarissa Cervantes at clarissa.cervantes@wsp.com.
PAST PROJECT RESOURCES
ENGLISH PRESENTATION
SPANISH PRESENTATION