PINEHILL, N.M. – Ramah Navajo officials are asking the public for help after repeated incidents involving the removal, theft and damage of temporary road signs, equipment and materials connected to the area’s ongoing road construction work—actions they say create serious safety hazards for motorists and put construction crews at risk.
According to Ramah Navajo Chapter 638, traffic control signs are essential for safe navigation through work zones and are only permitted to be handled by authorized personnel to ensure they meet safety standards. Officials warned that tampering with road signs or construction materials is a criminal offense and can cause unnecessary delays in completing the project. Anyone found to have removed, stolen, or damaged road signs, equipment, or construction materials could face fines or prosecution.
Community members who witness someone removing or damaging signs, equipment or materials are urged to contact the Ramah Navajo Police Department at 505-876-9655 or 505-775-3223.
In the same notice, officials reminded drivers not to use unauthorized roads as alternate routes. Those roads are restricted and closed for safety reasons, and motorists are directed to use only the two authorized routes designated for public travel.
Chapter officials also addressed rising frustrations related to rerouted traffic and longer travel times, asking residents to remain patient during the work. The notice stated it is not appropriate to confront Ramah Navajo Chapter 638 administrative staff, who may not be directly involved in project management, nor to confront construction crews while they are working on-site. Entering restricted construction areas without authorization is strictly prohibited, and approaching work crews can place both the public and workers at risk. Concerns and complaints should be directed to the Chapter’s Executive Director, the notice stated.
BIA Route 125 Bridge Project Closure Extended in Mountain View
Ramah Navajo officials also issued an update this week on the ongoing BIA Route 125 Bridge Project in Mountain View, announcing an extension of the current closure at the bridge on BIA Route 125, the highway route toward Pinehill.
The closure—originally scheduled to end Friday, Feb. 27, 2026—has been extended through Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Officials said the extension is necessary due to cranerelated delays that prevented the contractor from safely completing a concrete pour. The project team emphasized that safety, structural integrity and compliance with engineering standards remain the top priority.
The designated detour route via BIA Route 122 (gravel road) will remain in effect during the extended closure. With increased traffic expected along the detour, dust-control measures will be applied to improve visibility and reduce impacts on residents who live along the roadway. Updated detour maps are expected to be provided soon.
Officials urged drivers to follow posted speed limits on BIA Route 122 and remain alert for livestock. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow an additional 30 minutes for travel. The notice warned that speeding and passing at high speeds on gravel roads is extremely dangerous and puts motorists and others at risk.
Ramah Navajo officials asked residents to share the update to help ensure community members and travelers headed to Pine Hill receive the information, and thanked the public for its patience as the infrastructure improvement is completed.