SANTAFE,N.M.—Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, alongside the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), celebrated the completion of a new $24 million bridge on NM 566 near Church Rock, designed to enhance pedestrian safety in the area on July 31.
The new steel girder bridge spans the BNSF Railway and is a significant step forward in providing safer access for the Church Rock community. The project, which also includes a dedicated pedestrian walking trail, ensures that community members are kept off the highway and out of harm’s way.
In addition to the pedestrian infrastructure, the project involved a complete bridge replacement, roadway reconstruction, upgraded lighting, and enhanced drainage systems. The improvements are set to make travel safer for both vehicles and pedestrians alike.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting New Mexico families and improving access to every corner of our state,” Governor Lujan Grisham said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Every bridge we build, every trail we construct, and every safety improvement we make helps ensure no family has to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident.”
The project, which took 29 months to complete, was funded through a combination of federal and state National Highway Performance Program funds. It also marks the successful collaboration between NMDOT District Six, the City of Gallup, and the Navajo Nation.
New Mexico has long struggled with a high pedestrian fatality rate, which consistently ranks among the highest in the nation. Governor Lujan Grisham and NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna emphasized the importance of these safety improvements as part of a larger effort to protect lives and strengthen communities.
“By working closely with the Navajo Nation and the City of Gallup, we’ve created safer, more direct access for the Church Rock community,” Serna said. “New Mexico has long faced an urgent need to improve pedestrian safety, and this bridge delivers real solutions.”
The bridge’s opening comes at a time when pedestrian safety is under increased scrutiny, and the project is a clear indication of the state’s ongoing focus on addressing infrastructure needs. Governor Lujan Grisham further stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure during a recent interview on Meet the Press, underscoring that building bridges and improving roadways should be a central focus of government action.
The completion of the NM 566 bridge offers a vital connection for the Church Rock community and represents a step forward in ensuring safer travel for all New Mexicans.