MPO approves TIP amendments, clears $8.8 million for Dona Ana County bridge work
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Summary
The Mesilla Valley MPO governing board approved amendments to the FY2024–2029 Transportation Improvement Program that move state-led interchange work and advance multiple bridge replacement projects, including a Dona Ana County local bridge replacement project funded at $8,768,632.
The Mesilla Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization governing board voted Feb. 11 to adopt a set of amendments to its FY2024–2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), advancing several bridge and interchange projects and adjusting schedules and funding allocations.
Dominic Loya, presenting the TIP update, said the amendments include LC00380 (I‑25 Engler interchange ramps and lighting moved into federal fiscal year 2027), LC00330 (I‑10 bridge replacements with a change to milepost locations), and two Dona Ana County‑led local bridge projects, LC00540 and LC00541. "This is for bridge 7721, to completely replace, and remove, or the part of the changes are to remove, Bridge 77303. It'll increase funding, for construction ... for a total funding amount of $8,768,632," Loya said during the presentation.
Loya told the board LC00540 is scheduled for federal fiscal year 2026 and LC00541 would reflect later phases including a FY2028 action. He said the projects affect performance measures tied to state of good repair and to safety targets. Loya also reported that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recommended approval.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the locations of the I‑10 bridge projects (identified as I‑10 over Fair Acres Road and an I‑10 structure near milepost adjustments) and then voted by roll call to approve the resolution adopting the TIP amendments. The motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The amendments reposition schedules and funding for projects that regional agencies say will improve safety, replace aging bridges in the MPO area and align federal construction timelines with local needs. For Dona Ana County, the amendment signals an immediate funding commitment for a major local bridge replacement that MPO staff tied directly to the TIP and to federal-state performance measures.
Next steps: MPO staff will coordinate with the lead agencies (NMDOT for state-led work and Dona Ana County for local bridge projects) to finalize project schedules, obligate funds and manage construction steps required for each contract and environmental compliance item. BPAC and TAC recommendations will feed into implementation oversight.
