NMDOT warns of delays, weekend detours during Edgewood roadwork

EDGEWOOD — A $700,000 roadway rehabilitation and safety project on Interstate 40 and New Mexico State Road 344 is scheduled to begin next week, state transportation officials announced Thursday.

The project, which begins Wednesday, May 27, will target the exit and entrance ramps connecting I-40 and NM 344, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Crews will mill and repave the existing roadway surface on NM 344 as well as the connecting I-40 ramps. The structural pavement treatment requires removing the current asphalt layer and replacing it with new pavement to improve overall road conditions and extend the roadway’s lifespan.

NMDOT officials warned motorists to expect traffic delays throughout the duration of the project.

Construction is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. During weekday work, motorists can expect temporary lane closures on NM 344, with flagging operations in place to direct traffic through the construction zone.

Weekend work will require the complete closure of the ramps to and from NM 344 and I-40, triggering detours for drivers trying to access Edgewood:

• Eastbound I-40 motorists will be detoured to NM 333 via Exit 181 (Sedillo).
• Westbound I-40 motorists will be detoured to NM 333 via Exit 196 (Moriarty East).

Mainline traffic on I-40 will not be affected by the construction.

Cutler Paving Inc. has been selected as the contractor for the project. Transportation officials are urging drivers to reduce speed, obey all posted signs and detours, and exercise caution around construction personnel and equipment.