A $35 million railroad grade separation project in New Mexico has earned recognition for its safety contributions.
The Jarales Road Railroad Grade Separation Project won the 2026 America’s Transportation Award in the Quality of Life/Community Development category for medium-sized projects. Officials said the project was one of 14 state department of transportation projects across the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials region to receive top regional honors this year. Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the awards recognize transportation projects that deliver meaningful benefits to communities through innovation, safety, mobility and quality of life.
“This project reflects what transportation investments should accomplish: making daily travel safer by eliminating a dangerous railroad crossing, keeping communities connected and improving quality of life for generations to come with a more reliable route for families, businesses, farmers, school buses, and first responders,” NMDOT Cabinet Secretary David D. Quintana said. “I’m proud of the NMDOT team and our partners whose collaboration made this award-winning project possible.”
Officials said the Jarales Road crossing previously handled more than 1,700 vehicles and 90 trains per day, creating frequent delays and lengthy detours when trains blocked the at-grade crossing. The intersection also posed an ongoing safety risk, officials said.
The new overpass permanently separates vehicles and rail traffic, the NMDOT said, which eliminating the risk of train-vehicle collisions while providing uninterrupted access for residents, businesses, agricultural operations, school transportation and emergency vehicles.
The project included the construction of a new bridge over the railroad tracks, reconstruction of nearly a mile of NM 109, installation of roadway striping and signage, and drainage and erosion control improvements.
The project now moves forward to the national competition later this year.