The town of Carnuel, New Mexico, is nestled into Tijeras Canyon along Interstate 40 and the former Route 66. It is the seat of the Cañón de Carnué Land Grant, founded in 1763 near the site of a prehistoric Native American pueblo. Four bridges built in 1978 span the Tijeras Arroyo (a steep gully formed by fast-flowing water). Located east of Albuquerque, the bridges serve as a major freight corridor and gateway into the city.
Parametrix assisted the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, to conduct a study of the I-40 bridges over the Tijeras Arroyo near the I-40 Interchange with NM Highway 333. Parametrix is providing structural, environmental, and public outreach support for the project.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the condition of the existing bridges and to develop recommendations to address physical deficiencies. Based on the data collected, the condition of the four bridges ranges from satisfactory to poor.
The public input for the process began in May 2024 with an in-person public meeting as well as a recorded presentation and a project website. The recommended improvements were presented, and the team gathered input before finalizing the recommendations.
The recommendations from the study include:
- Replacement of I-40 westbound and eastbound bridges – These bridges have significant deterioration requiring expensive repairs to extend their service life a few more years; therefore, bridge replacement is the preferred option.
- Rehabilitation of south frontage road bridge and westbound off-ramp – These bridges are in satisfactory condition and can remain in service with minor repairs and maintenance.
The Parametrix team, led by Jeff Fredine and Jim Buckman, includes environmental, transportation, and structural professionals.
The project is currently in the design phase and construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.