LOCAL

Debris to be removed from US 82 to prevent rockfalls

Juan Corral
Alamogordo Daily News
January 28, 2023 Rockslide

New Mexico Department of Transportation officials said it will begin the removal of loose debris and rock from a portion of U.S. 82 to prevent rockfall and provide safety for travelers.

"Scaling operations" by New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) engineers will mostly be done by hand, according to a NMDOT spokesperson, though heavy machinery may be required for some of the work.

Removal of debris left from a previous rockfall which occurred in the same area on Jan. 28, 2023 will also be part of the project was contracted to APEX Rockfall Mitigation LLC.

The cleanup began at 7 a.m. Monday, June 5.

The debris to be removed includes loose rocks found in the same proximity of the last rockfall and rocks on the road. The debris is removed off the slope and disposed of by APEX Rockfall Mitigation LLC. Much of the rocks are usually repurposed for rock walls or other projects.

U.S. 82 is one of the only roads from the south where motorists and other travelers move through to come into the region. The road itself requires drivers to travel through a tunnel where thousands of people travel through on a daily basis for work commutes and more.

Officials said plans are made ahead of time so traffic is diverted correctly and any problems between construction and drivers can be avoided.

Officials said no closure of the road will occur during the work but motorists should expect minor delays, adding time to travel for commuters.

More:U.S. 82 expected to reopen Monday evening after rock slide deposits tons of debris

Officials said that drivers will experience 15 to 20 minute intervals of lane closures. The east bound lane will be the lane that will be closed for a majority of the project. Only the west bound lane of traffic will be open for one way traffic to be directed.

Hours of construction will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday between milepost 6 and milepost 7. Officials are asking people to drive with caution as workers will be in the area.

Officials said that they want to wrap up the project by Friday, June 30 but if weather interferes it may push into July.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.