I-40 Manuelito Interchange Study
I-40 Milepost 7.9 to 8.9 near Manuelito in McKinley CountyNMDOT Control No. 6101600
Watch the pre-recorded presentation with study updates
and find details on how to share comments.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
WHERE IS THE STUDY AREA LOCATED?
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is conducting a study of the Interstate 40 (I-40) and New Mexico Highway 118 (NM 118) interchange located at Exit 8 (3.4 miles east of Manuelito) in McKinley County, New Mexico (Figure 1). The study area extends along I-40 from milepost (MP) 7.9 to 8.9. The additional bridges (Bridge Nos. 3488, 6281, and 6282) surrounding the study area are not included as part of this study. The closest surrounding communities and establishments within the study area include Southwest Indian Ministries – Church of God, Manuelito Chapter House, Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home, Gallup Christian School, Tobe Turpen Elementary School, and the Villages of Manuelito, Defiance, and Mentmore. The lands in the vicinity of the roadway right-of-way consist of private, Navajo Nation and BNSF Railroad lands.
FUNDING
FHWA federal and state funds are being used to conduct this study, develop a preliminary design, and perform environmental investigations under Control Number 6101600. Final design and construction will be performed in the future when funds can be identified.
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Based on the detailed evaluation of six potential alternatives and the public and stakeholder input, the study team is currently recommending the construction of a Diamond Interchange, Alternative 2B (see the presentation and factsheet below).
Figure 1. Study Area Map (click on the image to enlarge).
County
McKinley
District
District 6
STIP Number
Status
Study and Design (Preliminary)
Contact
Gabriel Sanchez-Ramos
Central Region Design
(505) 699-9616
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 study team has been collecting 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
PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE OPEN HOUSE EVENT
WHEN: July 26, 2024 to August 25, 2024
WHERE: Online Pre-Recorded Presentation Available
Watch the pre-recorded presentation, PowerPoint (PDF), and/or the factsheet. Based on the detailed evaluation of six potential alternatives and the public and stakeholder input, the study team is currently recommending the construction of a Diamond Interchange (Alternative 2B). The goal is to present the recommended alternative and collect public input to determine the preferred alternative.
EVENT #2 – Pre-recorded Presentation (English)
July 2024
EVENT #2 – Factsheet (PDF)
July 2024
EVENT #2 – Presentation (PDF)
July 2024
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE – Alternative No. 2B, Diamond Interchange with NM 118 overpass:
- Improved sight distance on NM 118.
- Meets the purpose and need.
- Construction of a new NM 118 bridge over I-40.
- Replacement of I-40 bridges for eastbound and westbound lanes and removal of NM 118 underpass.
- Realigns NM 118 Intersection with Lupton Road.
- Improves flow path for stormwater through the area.
- Involves revegetation and stabilization of disturbed soils.
- Exit ramps provide adequate stopping distance.
- Entrance ramps are adequate for acceleration and merging.
- Requires additional right-of-way (private property).
Other Considerations for Design and Construction: Minimize closure of interstate ramps and NM 118 during construction.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Following the close of the comment period, the preferred alternative will be selected and the study completed this fall. Preliminary design will begin at the end of the year.
HOW TO SHARE YOUR COMMENT
The comment period is open from July 26 to August 25, 2024. Please click the button to access the online comment form or to submit your comment by email, phone, or paper mail.
View looking west on I-40 near Exit 8 at the interchange with NM 118 (click to enlarge the image).
PREVIOUS MEETING RESOURCES
A presentation was given on March 17, 2024, during a regularly scheduled monthly Manuelito Chapter House meeting to go over the existing conditions identified and the initial design alternatives developed. The public meeting summary below provides information on the outreach efforts, materials shared with the public, and comments received during the comment period.
EVENT #1 – Public Meeting Summary and Comments (PDF)
June 2024
EVENT #1 – Public Meeting Factsheet (PDF)
June 2024