A new bridge costing $24 million has opened on NM 566 near Church Rock, New Mexico, providing safer pedestrian access with a dedicated walking trail. The steel girder bridge crosses the BNSF Railway and is designed to separate pedestrians from highway traffic, aiming to reduce the risk of accidents. The project included replacing the old bridge, reconstructing the roadway, installing better lighting, upgrading drainage systems, and adding a pedestrian trail for the Church Rock community.
Funding for the project came from both federal and state National Highway Performance Program funds. The construction was completed in 29 months through cooperation among NMDOT District Six, the City of Gallup, and the Navajo Nation.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting New Mexico families and improving access to every corner of our state. Every bridge we build, every trail we construct, and every safety improvement we make helps ensure no family has to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident.”
The rate of pedestrian fatalities in New Mexico is among the highest nationally. By constructing dedicated pathways for pedestrians, NMDOT aims to improve safety and support communities.
NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna stated, “By working closely with the Navajo Nation and the City of Gallup, we’ve created safer, more direct access for the Church Rock community. New Mexico has long faced an urgent need to improve pedestrian safety, and this bridge delivers real solutions.”
