ANTHONY – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One has started construction for the replacement of the NM 404 Bridge over I-10. 

The bridge located at milepost 162, built in 1985 is geometrically and physically deficient and cannot sustain the traffic growth that has occurred since it was built. The greatest daily indication is congestion that exists on the interchange. The NM 404 corridor has geometric conditions that no longer meet the current design standards. The current bridge is too narrow and the height of clearance over I-10, at 15’ 10” does not meet the requirements of bridge clearance. 

The proposed bridge will have a total of 5-lanes (two, eastbound-thru lanes, one, westbound thru-lane and a left-turn lane in each direction), bike lanes in both directions, and sidewalks. The ramps will be reconstructed, new signals, lighting, and connection to multi-use path will also be added. The new bridge will display a cotton plant on the north side and a cactus on the south side visible to I-10 traffic. 

The cotton represents the City of Anthony seal and the vast agricultural region as roots of the valley. The cactus is a Sneed Pincushion Cactus that is native to the region and is on the USFW endangered species list.

AUI, Inc. (Contractor) began constructing eastbound ramp detours on Jan. 4, 2021. For the next few months, traffic on NM 404 will remain as is. Traffic on I-10 will be impacted by long term lane closures to allow construction of median piers. I-10 eastbound off-ramp and on-ramp will be detoured to temporary ramps with the use of temporary signals. The proposed bridge will be constructed off-set to the existing. That is, ¾ of the new bridge will be constructed to the north side of the existing bridge. When this phase is completed, traffic will be shifted to the new bridge and the old bridge will be demolished and the new bridge will be completed. Construction will take place from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic control will remain in place 24/7.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks you for your cooperation during this work. For updated information visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com or call 511.