MOUNTAINAIR – The New Mexico Department of Transportation and FNF Construction will begin a bridge replacement project on U.S. 60 south of Mountainair on April 24. The project will be in Socorro County between mile post 186.92 and 187.73. The project will be constructed in two phases and is expected to be completed in December 2023.

During Phase 1, crews will construct a detour along US 60 to bypass the bridge during replacement construction. Single lane closures on US 60 will occur occasionally with a pilot car guiding traffic in alternating east and westbound directions. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by mid-May 2023, then all traffic will be shifted onto a detour to begin Phase 2. Once Phase 2 begins, traffic will have one lane open in each direction and there should be no further lane closures due to construction.

Motorists traveling on this section of US 60 should expect delays and allow extra time to reach their destinations. They should also use extreme caution in the construction zone and obey any posted speed limits.

Chieftain Staff Report