MILAN, N.M. - Two New Mexico Department of Transportation road projects will get underway in the coming days, affecting routes used regularly by Cibola County motorists traveling south of Grants and east toward Los Lunas.
The first project begins Monday, Aug. 31, on NM 6 east of Highland Meadows. NMDOT District Six and Highland Enterprise Inc. will place a rubberized fog seal on both directions of the highway between mile markers 0 and 18.
Work is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is expected to continue through the end of September, weather permitting.
Motorists should expect a flagger and pilot-car operation through the work zone, along with minor delays.
NM 6 provides an important connection between Interstate 40 near Laguna and Interstate 25 at Los Lunas and is frequently used by Cibola County residents traveling toward Valencia County and the Albuquerque metro area.
A second project will begin Thursday, Sept. 3, on NM 53 south of Grants.
NMDOT District Six and Cutler Repaving Inc. will place a 1.5-inch asphalt overlay on approximately seven miles of NM 53, covering both directions between mile markers 56.2 and 63.2.
NMDOT said the NM 53 project represents a $2 million investment in roadway rehabilitation and safety improvements.
Work on NM 53 is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is also expected to be completed by the end of September, weather permitting. Drivers should expect minor delays while construction is underway.
The two projects involve different types of pavement work. The NM 53 project will add a new asphalt layer to rehabilitate the roadway surface, while the NM 6 project will use a rubberized fog seal designed to preserve and protect the existing pavement.
NMDOT is asking drivers in both work zones to reduce their speed, follow posted signs and traffic-control directions and remain alert for workers and construction equipment.
Current highway conditions and construction information are available at NMRoads.com or by calling 511.