Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Construction resumed Monday on a $10.5 million reconstruction of Tucumcari’s Mountain Road from Tucumcari Boulevard to Interstate 40.
The work, which began in October and was suspended during the winter months, should be finished by winter 2020.
It includes new I-40 access ramps at Exit 333 and rebuilding about one mile of U.S. 54, aka Mountain Road, from the interstate.
Workers also are installing new 6-inch and 10-inch water lines and a new 36-inch storm drain there. They will add erosion-control measures, install new signs and stripes on the roadway and perform utility work.
Traffic effects are expected to last through summer on the following Phase 2 work:
• Crews will work on the eastbound I-40 on-ramp at Exit 333. Traffic will be shifted so workers can build one-half of the ramp, then shifted again to build the other half. Motorists going on to I-40 at the on-ramp should use extra caution and expect delays.
• Crews will work on U.S. 54 from I-40 to Tucumcari Boulevard to install the storm drain and two water lines. They also will build a new median, curb and sidewalks. Lane closures during that work may be required, but access points to homes and businesses will be kept open during that time. Any short-term driveway closings will be arranged in advance.
Work hours on Mountain Road will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though crews might work on weekends if needed.
AUI Inc. of Albuquerque is the contractor for the project, with funding from the New Mexico Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.