The crossover bridge from Interstate 10 East to Interstate 25 North will be closed indefinitely, New Mexico Department of Transportation spokesperson Ami Evans told the Bulletin earlier this week, until repairs estimated at nearly $1 million are complete.
NMDOT will keep the I-10 eastbound to I-25 northbound ramp closed until repairs can be made from damage that occurred July 11, when a commercial motor vehicle loaded with diesel fuel overturned on the I-10 to I-25 ramp catching fire.
The driver was able to free himself before the truck and trailer were fully engulfed, but then the vehicle burned for several hours. Due to the high heat, the bridge deck and other bridge components were severely damaged. Engineers have since determined the structural integrity of the bridge is still intact.
Evans said damaged concrete would have to be replaced.
At current, the department is working to secure emergency funds and a contractor to make the required repairs. The overall bridge structure repairs are estimated at just under $1 million and roadway repairs are estimated at $30,000.
Without a known start date for repairs, the crossover bridge has no known reopening date at this time.
Evans said citizens are strongly encouraged to obey the road closure and stay out of the area now and when the repair project begins, to avoid creating an unsafe environment.
