Out of precaution and prioritizing public safety, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will close the historic Oñate Bridge in Española. The closure is set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, ahead of the expected monsoon season.
The bridge will remain closed indefinitely as engineers address concerns about riverbed erosion around one of its piers, which could be risky during high river flow periods.
"Protecting the traveling public is our highest priority," said Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna. "Given the potential for increased water levels and further scour during monsoon rains, this closure is a proactive step to ensure everyone’s safety."
The closure affects both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Detours will route traffic through two nearby bridges on either side of the Oñate Bridge.
NMDOT began monitoring the structure in 2019 after an underwater inspection revealed erosion at a pier. A follow-up inspection in January 2025 showed further deterioration, leading to additional hydraulic modeling that confirmed action was necessary.
Recently, NMDOT's Bridge Bureau, Drainage Bureau, and District Five worked with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to evaluate the bridge's condition and explore monitoring options. A joint assessment in June with FHWA scour experts led to the decision to close the bridge before any significant rainfall events.
