The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) recently opened a $24 million bridge on NM 566 near Church Rock.
The steel girder bridge spans the BNSF Railway and took more than 29 months to complete. Work included a full bridge replacement, roadway reconstruction, a new pedestrian trail that directly serves the Church Rock community, improved lighting, and upgraded drainage systems.
New Mexico’s pedestrian fatality rate consistently ranks among the highest in the United States. The addition of a pedestrian trail to the project is part of NMDOT’s actions to creates safer access for pedestrians.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting New Mexico families and improving access to every corner of our state,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Every bridge we build, every trail we construct, and every safety improvement we make helps ensure no family has to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident.”
“New Mexico has long faced an urgent need to improve pedestrian safety, and this bridge delivers real solutions,” NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna said.
The project was funded through a combination of federal and state National Highway Performance Program funds. It is a collaborative effort between NMDOT District Six, the City of Gallup, and the Navajo Nation.