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NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

I-25/University Avenue construction project likely to be complete in August

Posted

Construction on the Interstate 25/University Avenue Project is expected to be completed in late summer, officials from the New Mexico Department of Transportation said in a project summary.

The project started in January 2020 and will cost about $33.3 million in state and federal funds. It was designed by Molzen Corbin Associates. La Calerita Construction is the general contractor. Both are Las Cruces companies.

NMDOT said project benefits include: a renovated University Avenue bridge and a new Pan American bridge, both spanning Interstate 25 to accommodate growth; a Triviz Drive underpass under University Avenue connecting North Triviz to South Triviz; a continuation of the multi-use Triviz Trail to the New Mexico State University trail system; a new exit ramp from southbound I-25 directly to NMSU beneath University Avenue; better local traffic flow through roundabouts merging traffic on both sides of the University/Triviz underpass; a new entrance ramp from NMSU to southbound I-25; and roadway improvements to University Avenue from Triviz to Las Alturas to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.

NMDOT said the project also “promotes sustainability” in a number of ways.

NMDOT is recycling demolition materials for use in backfill and construction of MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) retaining walls; using high-efficiency LED lighting and structures that reduce light scatter; extending local trail systems and making both the Roadrunner Transit stop at University across from the Pan Am Center and the Aggie Transit Stop at the Pan Am Center “more interconnected transportation hubs”; and adding six-foot sidewalks on both the north and south sides of University Avenue, and dedicated bike lanes in the east and west directions with buffers to separate cyclists from vehicular traffic.

The project also features custom artwork by local artist Collette Marie “that uses an Earth and Seed theme referencing the community’s agricultural roots as well featuring indigenous wildlife,” NMDOT said. “Designs include the New Mexico Whiptail Lizard (New Mexico's state reptile) and the song sparrow as well as onions, pecans, cotton and agave.”

Visit www.i25-university.com and www.nmroads.com.

I-25/University Avenue construction project update

From the New Mexico Department of Transportation

Continuing through July, Interstate 25 is reduced to one lane in both directions near University Avenue for construction of concrete wall barriers and bridge piers in the median and additional construction activities. Access from University Ave to the southbound I-25 on-ramp is through the Triviz/University

intersection and the new south roundabout. Detour signs are in place.

The I-25 northbound loop ramp is closed for reconstruction. Both eastbound and westbound traffic

on University Avenue can access northbound I-25 from the on-ramp at the traffic signal.

Regular work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Crews may work longer hours or on Saturdays as needed.

Interstate 25, University Avenue

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