The large rust-colored metal sheet pile sticking out around University Avenue and I-25 may have caught your eye recently, and for good reason. Construction on the I-25/University Avenue project continues to forge ahead, with the next phase already started in some areas.

The construction project, a New Mexico Department of Transportation effort in partnership with La Calerita Construction, began early January 2020 and is projected to continue through the summer of 2021. According to the project website, the goals of the construction include improving traffic congestion and creating a direct connection with the Pan American parking lot.

Ami Evans, public information officer with the NMDOT District One, said construction is on schedule in most areas.

“We are having some issues with the manufacturer providing the MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) in a timely manner. To compensate for this, the project schedule has been moved ahead in other areas to keep construction going,” Evans said in an email.

Evans said that while the overall project is still in Phase One, Phase Two has begun in certain areas to make sure the deadline is met. Phase One was scheduled to last from January to April 2020, and Phase Two from April to May 2020. The metal sheet pile at the Pan American Bridge is the beginning of the second phase.

“The contractor is continuing with the building of the new bridge pillars over I-25 at University [Avenue] as well as driving sheet pile to support the road carrying traffic on south side in order to build the bridges on the north side,” Evans said.

She explained that the contractor is continuing the construction of on-ramps, addressing curbs and gutters, improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and paving. They are also building retaining walls separating the ramps. Evans said construction should last about three weeks.

Closures of lanes or ramps may be needed, but Evans said the team intends to keep two lanes open in each direction as much as possible.

“There will be some nighttime closures for bridge demolition, bridge construction and overhead sign structures. When we have a closure, we’ll let everyone know well in advance and will also establish detours,” Evans said.

A construction update was released on the project’s website on April 14 announcing a lane closure on westbound University Avenue from Telshor Boulevard to the northbound I-25 on-ramp. Only one lane will be open while construction lasts for about three weeks.

Evans said the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a large impact on the work on the project — some supplies have taken longer to receive from the stores. She said the construction team is practicing social distancing as much as possible to stay safe.

The I-25/University Avenue construction is an ongoing project. The Round Up will provide more information as the project progresses.