Online Open House - I-40 Manuelito Interchange Study, CN 6101600

A NEW ALTERNATIVE SELECTED for the Manuelito Interchange - Learn more here!

WHEN:  June 17 to July 16, 2026
WHERE:  Online Pre-Recorded Presentation Available
A recorded presentation outlining the study process, the new recommended alternative, and the project timeline is provided below. We invite you to review these materials and share your questions and feedback as we update the study and move into design.

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EVENT #3 – Pre-recorded Presentation (English)June 2026

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EVENT #3 – Presentation (PDF)June 2026

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EVENT #3 – Factsheet (PDF)June 2026

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is completing a study for the I-40 Manuelito Interchange at Exit 8, located approximately 3.4 miles east of Manuelito in McKinley County, New Mexico.
The purpose of the study is to identify and recommend interchange improvements that:

Meet current roadway design standards and driver expectations
Reduce roadway flooding
Improve safety and traffic operations
Make NM 118 a more effective truck detour route during incidents on I-40

Project Update
Because of the project’s size and cost, state and federal guidelines required a Value Engineering (VE) analysis. Value Engineering is a process used to improve a project’s overall value by balancing cost, performance, and quality. Completed in 2025, the VE analysis resulted in a new recommended interchange concept featuring a modern diamond-style interchange design.
The proposed alternative would require a small amount of additional private right-of-way. During construction, efforts would be made to minimize closures and disruptions to NM 118 and the interchange ramps whenever possible.
The study team is currently finalizing the study and expects completion this summer. Following final review and approval by FHWA, the project will move into the design phase, with completion anticipated by Fall 2027.