Photo: Eagle�s Eye Photo Imaging

Photo: Matthew Nighbert/Gannett Fleming West

I-40 San Mateo to Pennsylvania was one of the most challenging reconstruction projects in New Mexico in recent years. On weekdays, the traffic flow exceeds 155,000 vehicles per day through the project site, the next-to-last in a series designed to widen and improve I-40 through Albuquerque. With only 300 days allowed for completion, this project required the addition of one traffic lane in each direction, pavement rehabilitation for existing lanes and underground utility construction, chiefly for drainage improvements. Constructing noise walls close to developed areas without damaging existing structures was one of the most challenging aspects of the project. This was resolved by using a combination of H-pile pilasters with drilled shaft foundation.

Benefitting both the people of New Mexico as well as NMDOT, the project will reduce maintenance, increase shoulder widths, add driving and auxiliary lanes and reduce traffic noise. The addition of Intelligent Transportation Systems will keep the public informed about traffic congestion and incident management.