NMDOT Begins U.S. 64, Finishes Manuelito Rest Area

Crews began road work at the junction realignment of U.S. 64/84 and the replacement of Amargo Creek Bridge on U.S. 64. The project is scheduled for completion in October and is estimated at $3 million.

Manuelito Rest Area and Visitor Center along I-25, Gallup, N.M.

Photo courtesy NMDOT

Transportation officials also celebrated the reopening of the Manuelito Rest Area and Visitor Center near Gallup along Interstate 25. The facility underwent a state-of-the-art remodeling, nearly doubling its current capacity to accommodate approximately one million visitors annually.

Originally built in 1971 and located at the New Mexico/Arizona border, the rest stop now includes a newly-constructed 9,500-sq-ft visitor center, a media area and information kiosks. the center’s round design was inspired by Native American themes such as the traditional Navajo hogan.

This is one of two rest areas and visitor centers NMDOT has redesigned, the first being the Glenrio Center at the New Mexico/Texas border which will open soon.

David Montoya Construction Inc. and Longhorn Construction were awarded the project, which began in March 2007. The $7.4 million endeavor includes building the new visitor center, installation of phone lines and plumbing, reconstruction of new parking lots, installation of new drainage systems and new concrete side walks.

Los Alamos National Laboratory Upgrades TA-55

Technical Area 55 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, N.M.

Photo courtesy Merrick & Co.

Merrick & Co. signed two contracts with Los Alamos National Security LLC to provide architecture, engineering and construction services for modifications to systems and facility features at Technical Area 55 (TA-55) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The total potential value of the two 14-year contracts is $105 million.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is owned by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and managed and operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC. TA-55 is the principal DOE facility used in plutonium research and weapons development. Work at TA-55 supports multiple national security missions of the U. S. Under the two contracts Merrick will provide multi-discipline engineering design and construction services for modifications to TA-55.

Merrick & Co. will execute the work with JB Henderson Construction of Albuquerque. The Merrick team is supported by several specialty technical services subcontractors, including Energy Solutions LLC, Capstone Planning & Control Inc., Environmental Dimensions Inc. and North Wind Inc.

New Mexico Chapter and RMCI Shine at National Awards

Albuquerque utility contractor RMCI was awarded the Overall - 2007 William H. Feather Safety Award by the National Utility Contractors Association at its Annual National Awards Dinner on May 21 in Washington D.C.  RMCI was among a select group of contractors recognized for excellence in on-the-job safety at this prestigious event.

The overall safety award winner is selected by comparing the injury frequency data, safety statements and company program information of all nominees in five categories established by total man hours worked. Created in 1978, the William H. Feather Award honors the contributions of the founding chairman of the NUCA Safety Committee.

According to NUCA representatives, RMCI won the award based on the strengths of their comprehensive safety program, admirable accident record and extensive safety training program.

RMCI offers NUCA and OSHA training to their employees as well as to the construction community including owners, engineers, subcontractors and industry competitors. And, it is offered in an innovative bilingual format. RMCI also provides the NUCA of New Mexico with free access to its newly upgraded training facilities along with training and/or instructional assistance.

NUCA of New Mexico was also recognized, receiving the 2007 Chapter Award of Excellence in Special Events award for its planning and execution of the New Mexico Regional Common Ground Alliance Trade Show & Conference, which was held May 3-4, 2007 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

To submit project news, events and personnel announcements, please email them to Scott Blair, editor, at scott_blair@mcgraw-hill.com. Include a color photograph or project rendering if applicable.