What is changing on US-60?
SPONSORED CONTENT - Thank you to WSP and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for sponsoring the current month’s content on Mountainair Dispatch. WSP and the NMDOT have sponsored this content to let residents and travelers in the area know about the upcoming bridge project on US-60 in Abó. WSP and the NMDOT would like to encourage you to provide feedback on the US-60 Bridges Replacement Project. Comments and questions can be submitted in any of the following ways. The deadline for comments is December 7, 2025.
US MAIL:
Attn: Haley Steffens, US-60 Bridges Replacement Project
WSP USA
2440 Louisiana Blvd NE, Suite 400
Albuquerque, NM 87110
EMAIL:
Haley.Steffens@wsp.com
Online Form:
Click Here!
Replacing Two US 60 Bridges Near Abo: What to Know
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), working with the Federal Highway Administration, plans to replace two aging bridges on U.S. Highway 60 in Torrance County. These bridges, near the Abo Unit of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, are Bridge No. 5734 over Espinosa Canyon and Bridge No. 5735 over Barranco Arroyo. The work will take place along US-60 from Milepost 193.88 to Milepost 197.68. All improvements will occur within the existing highway right‑of‑way, so no new land is needed. The project is funded with a mix of state and federal dollars.
Why this project matters
Both bridges were built in 1957. After nearly seven decades of weather, heavy traffic, and normal wear, they have reached the end of their useful life. Replacing them now will improve safety and reliability for drivers and reduce the need for frequent, costly maintenance.
Today’s bridges each have two 12‑foot travel lanes and narrow 2‑foot shoulders with metal railings. The structures use precast concrete girders that were common at the time they were built. While they have served the area for many years, modern design standards call for wider shoulders, stronger barriers, and updated materials that better handle heavy loads and harsh conditions.
What is being built
The new bridges will be designed to modern safety standards. Key features include:
- Two 12‑foot travel lanes in each direction with significantly wider 8‑foot shoulders
- A single‑span, pre-stressed concrete girder design for improved strength and durability
- New 42‑inch concrete barrier railings on each side to protect drivers
- Over a mile of new asphalt pavement and fresh striping to tie the bridges smoothly into US 60
These upgrades will make it easier for drivers to pass safely, give more room for disabled vehicles and emergency responders, and provide a stronger structure that can better withstand the test of time.
How construction will work
NMDOT plans to advertise and award the project in Spring 2026, with construction beginning in Summer 2026. To keep traffic moving, crews will build the new bridges on an offset alignment next to the existing ones. Once the new bridges are ready, traffic will shift onto them and the old structures will be removed. US 60 will be realigned where needed to connect smoothly to the new bridges.
During construction, at least one lane will remain open, with temporary lane closures managed by mobile traffic control. Access will be maintained for local residents and businesses, emergency services, school buses, and mail delivery. Travelers should expect slower speeds, short delays at times, lane shifts, and occasional flagging operations. NMDOT will schedule work to limit disruptions as much as possible, especially during peak travel times and in poor weather.
What drivers can expect
- Safer travel with wider shoulders and stronger barriers;
- Smoother pavement and clear markings over and around the bridges;
- Fewer unplanned maintenance closures in the years ahead; and,
- Construction activity will begin as early as Summer 2026, with traffic control in place.
Travelers who regularly drive US 60 near the Abo Ruins should allow extra travel time once work begins and follow posted signs. Obeying the speed limit in work zones protects both workers and drivers.
Staying informed and sharing input
NMDOT welcomes questions and feedback from the community. Project updates, schedules, and opportunities to provide input will be shared online. For the latest information, visit NMDOT’s event page: dot.nm.gov/event/us-60-bridges/.
Map and images
In summary
This project replaces two 1957-era bridges on US 60 near Abo to improve safety, reliability, and long‑term performance. The new design adds wider shoulders, modern barriers, and updated pavement to create a safer, smoother drive. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2026 and will keep at least one lane open at all times. Your patience during construction will help the project finish on schedule and deliver benefits that will last for decades.