DEMING – Chip seal operations are scheduled on multiple roadways, beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in the Columbus and Deming areas of Luna County.
Roads scheduled for chip sealing, in order:
NM 9, milepost 42 to 109 (Hachita to Columbus)
State Park 1007 (Pancho Villa State Park Roadway)
Various I-10 Frontage Roads (Gage area)
NM 418, milepost 0 to 14.1 (Old Lordsburg Highway)
NM 377, milepost 0 to 1.8 (Pecan Park)
Various I-10 Frontage Roads (Akela area)
During operations, drivers can expect flagging personnel, pilot vehicles, and temporary stops. Brooming will occur during and after the sealing process. Work will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that the roadway striping will be absent in work zones until completion.
Chip sealing is a type of surface treatment that involves spraying a thin layer of heated asphalt on the road, followed by a layer of small stone chips. These chips are then compacted to improve adhesion and durability. Loose chips will be encountered for 24-48 hours after placement as traffic will continue to embed the chips into the heated asphalt. Speed limit will be reduced until the completed chip seal routes are fog sealed and striped. The process helps protect the roadway from moisture, enhances surface strength, and extends the pavement's lifespan.
"These chip sealing efforts are critical in improving and maintaining our state highway system," said Aaron Chavarria, NMDOT District One Engineer. "We urge drivers to slow down, stay alert in work zones, and consider alternate routes during active construction hours."
NMDOT appreciates the public's patience during this maintenance effort. Weekly updates will be available in the department's Traffic Report and posted online at www.dot.nm.gov. For the latest road conditions, visit www.nmroads.com or call 511.
