The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) reaffirmed its commitment to install higher railings on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a project valued at roughly $8 million. Acting Transportation Secretary David Quintana told local suicide‑prevention advocate Stephanie Waters on Oct. 26 that the agency intends to proceed with the current design and expects construction to start in February, with full completion projected for 2027.
Governor’s directive and NMDOT’s response
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had directed NMDOT to explore other safety solutions after the agency selected a preferred railing design and secured funding. The governor’s office asked the department to consider options such as horizontal netting beneath the bridge, a measure that would require significant structural modifications and potentially a two‑year bridge closure.
Legislative Finance Committee analyst Cally Carswell disclosed the governor’s request during an Oct. 22 capital‑outlay presentation. Carswell noted that the $113 million estimate for a netting solution includes a 50 percent contingency and would likely necessitate a lengthy shutdown, which NMDOT Communications Director Kristine Bustos‑Mihelcic said is not viable for the community that depends on U.S. 64.
Why railings remain the preferred option
Engineering studies completed in 2018 eliminated horizontal netting because it would demand costly structural changes, approaching the expense of building a new bridge, and would require ongoing maintenance. A January 2026 study selected inward‑curving vertical railings, 6 to 8 feet high, to replace the existing 4‑foot barrier. The study estimated construction costs at $8.04 million.
Former Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna announced the railing commitment at a July 2025 rally organized by True Kids 1 and Help Outreach Taos, after seven suicides were reported at the bridge that year—more than twice the historical annual average. Advocates have long pressed for permanent barriers, and the temporary 8‑foot fencing installed in June has already helped deter attempts, according to Waters.
Local officials weigh in
Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera praised the temporary fencing and said no further incidents have occurred since its installation. He added that NMDOT is using the fencing period to evaluate “redundant systems,” including the possibility of horizontal netting, but emphasized the importance of keeping the bridge open for residents.
True Kids 1 Executive Director Sandy Campbell expressed frustration with the ongoing debate, noting that a two‑year closure would severely impact commuters and could place additional risk on deputies who would need to monitor any netting system.
Governor’s motivations questioned
Waters alleged that the governor opposes the railing project because she does not want it to become part of her legacy. She cited an unnamed local official who told her the governor pressured Secretary Quintana to halt the railing work. Quintana, however, denied any argument with the governor, stating he was not personally involved in those conversations.
While the governor’s office has not responded to the allegation, NMDOT’s public statements remain clear: the department is proceeding with the railings, viewing them as the most effective, cost‑controlled solution to protect the community while preserving the bridge’s critical role.
Next steps
NMDOT plans to begin construction in early 2027, with the goal of completing the railings before the end of that year. The agency continues to evaluate additional safety measures, but officials stress that any further actions must not jeopardize the bridge’s availability for residents and tourists alike.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
