DEMING – Motorists traveling through Luna County should be prepared for construction activity and possible delays as road work begins on Interstate 10 near Deming and on NM 9 near Columbus.
According to transportation officials, Hasse Contracting Company has started bridge deck repair work along Interstate 10 between mile markers 102 and 105 near Deming and Akela. Crews will begin repairs on the bridge structure at mile marker 102 in the westbound driving lane, later shifting to the passing lane as work progresses. At least one lane will remain open at all times, but overnight lane closures will be in place while repairs are underway.
Once work at mile marker 102 is complete, crews will move to the bridge deck at mile marker 105, where repairs will take place in the eastbound lane. Lane closures will be used as needed during that phase of the project. The bridge repair work is expected to continue through May.
Meanwhile, chip seal and fog sealing operations are underway along NM 9 in Luna County. The work is taking place between mile markers 87 and 109 near Columbus, stretching from Animas to the Doña Ana-Luna County line. NMDOT maintainers are assisting Seal Master with the sealing operations.
Drivers on NM 9 should expect pilot car operations during work hours, which run Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reduced speeds will be required through the work zone, and center striping will remain absent until all project work has been completed.
Transportation officials remind motorists that conditions in construction zones can change without notice. Drivers are urged to slow down, obey posted signage, and use extreme caution around construction personnel and heavy equipment. Double fines for speeding in work zones may also be in effect.