Wilson & Company is proud to announce that the I-25 Slope Mitigation and Roadway Improvements project has been named the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New Mexico Grand Conceptor Award winner. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to innovative engineering solutions, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on safety and long-term sustainability. The project, located along New Mexico’s I-25 corridor connecting Santa Fe and Albuquerque, is recognized for transforming a critical stretch of highway and addressing significant engineering challenges.
This corridor is one of New Mexico’s busiest highways, with more than 40,000 vehicles traveling each day. However, one section of this route, spanning from mile markers 264 to 267.5, also known as La Bajada Hill, posed unique challenges due to roadway instability caused by the settlement of various types of fill used in prior expansions that had taken place over the decades. The deterioration of this foundation caused pavement distress, such as cracks, undulations, and potholes. Temporary fixes became more frequent and less sustainable. This threatened both safety and traffic flow. A more permanent solution was needed, and future repairs were needed to address both potential instability, including a possible landslide and settlement of fill.
To resolve these issues, Wilson & Company collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), WSP, and Mountain State Constructors on a comprehensive project to stabilize the roadway, mitigate slope erosion, and improve the highway’s overall safety. The project included soil stabilization techniques, drainage improvements, and major roadway upgrades, which contributed to making this stretch of I-25 safer and more resilient for the future.
The project’s most significant innovation was the construction of 1,000 soil-mix columns, the first of its kind in New Mexico, which were drilled up to 50 feet deep under the highway. This new technique provided essential stability to the subgrade, allowing for the reconstruction of outdated pavement. These columns were topped with a load transfer platform (LTP), ensuring the long-term durability of the roadway by providing load distribution between the soil-mix columns. Additionally, the project upgraded drainage systems and addressed seepage on the fill slopes, further enhancing the highway’s safety and performance.
This project highlights our ability to solve complex engineering problems through creative solutions and planning. In addition to its innovative design, the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, further demonstrating the efficiency and expertise of the team’s planning and execution. Strategic engineering solutions play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure, addressing real-world challenges, and making a difference in the communities we serve. Client, designer, and contractor collaboration on this project was integral to its success, and we are grateful to have received the ACEC NM Grand Conceptor Award. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the collaborative efforts that brought this project to life.
“We are honored to receive this ACEC NM award, which is proof of what a great team we had to work with. The NMDOT geotechnical staff and WSP (formerly Golder) geotechnical engineers were instrumental in determining the underlying issues that were happening under the roadway section and coming up with a cost-effective design concept that addressed the issue directly,” said Derek Meier, PE, Senior Project Manager at Wilson & Company. “This project provided a new approach to roadway subgrade stabilization that can be completed quickly and with minimal impacts to the traveling public. We take great pride in showcasing New Mexico’s commitment to forward-thinking design and engineering, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project.”
The I-25 Slope Mitigation and Roadway Improvements project will be showcased at the ACEC National Ceremony alongside other prestigious Grand Conceptor winners. This national recognition will bring further attention to the technical challenges we overcame and the impact this project will have on New Mexico’s transportation system for years to come. We are excited to share the stage with the nation’s top engineering firms and celebrate the innovative solutions that shape our world.