SOCORRO, NM — Highway 60 is closed west of Socorro after heavy rain and flooding caused severe damage to the embankment supporting a bridge near mile marker 132. New Mexico transportation officials said the roadway will remain shut until further notice while crews assess the damage and prepare repairs.
A reopening date has not been set. Repair work is expected to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Damage near mile marker 132 leaves the bridge out of service
The closed stretch is on Highway 60 west of the city of Socorro, where floodwaters undermined the structure’s supporting embankment. Officials described the damage as severe enough to keep the bridge out of service for now.
The closure is tied directly to recent rainfall and flooding in Socorro County. Transportation officials have not announced a timeline for reopening because the extent of the repairs is still being evaluated.
Drivers in the area are being told to use caution and to avoid the closed portion of the highway entirely. Officials also warned motorists not to go around barricades or try to enter the shutdown section of roadway.
Crews are set to begin repairs Thursday, Oct. 1
The New Mexico Department of Transportation said repair work is expected to begin Thursday, Oct. 1. Until then, the closure will stay in place while the agency and its crews continue to assess the bridge embankment.
The department said it is focused on protecting the safety of the traveling public while the damage is inspected and fixed. It also thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation during the closure.
Because the work involves flood-related damage, officials said conditions could change as the site is examined more closely. No reopening date has been announced.
A 287-mile detour sends drivers across multiple highways
Officials have posted a detour that stretches about 287 miles and uses several highways in central and western New Mexico. The alternate route includes Interstate 25 between mile markers 148 and 203, N.M. 6 between mile markers 0 and 35, and N.M. 117 between mile markers 0 and 57.
The detour also sends traffic onto Interstate 40 between mile markers 85.5 and 126.5, N.M. 36 between mile markers 0 and 21.5, and U.S. 60 between mile markers 34.5 and 112. The long reroute is meant to keep drivers away from the damaged bridge while work is underway.
Recent rain has made the detour muddy and harder to travel
Transportation officials said recent rainfall has left the detour roads extremely muddy and difficult to travel. Drivers who must use the alternate route are being strongly encouraged to use four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Officials warned that conditions may get worse if more rain falls. Motorists are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and be ready for slower movement on the detour roads.
The agency said the closure and detour are necessary because the damaged bridge area remains unsafe. Travelers were asked to stay clear of the site and to use the posted route instead.
Transportation officials urge patience while the site is assessed
The New Mexico Department of Transportation said it is working to protect public safety while crews assess and repair the flood damage. The agency said it appreciates the public’s patience as the closure continues.
For now, the main message from officials is simple: avoid the area, do not drive around the barriers and give road crews room to work. Until repairs are complete, Highway 60 near Socorro will remain closed with no set reopening date.
