Interstate 25 Construction Paused Near Raton, Lanes Reopened for Winter
On November 17, 2025 the New Mexico Department of Transportation and Fisher Sand and Gravel placed the $27 million Interstate 25 project from Raton to the Colorado state line under winter suspension, pausing final roadway surfacing and shoulder rumble strip installation. All lanes were reopened for the winter season, a decision that eases traffic flow but delays completion of safety work until spring when conditions permit.
State transportation officials announced on November 17 that work on the Interstate 25 corridor north of Raton would be suspended for the winter, pausing final phases of a $27 million reconstruction project. The suspension halts planned roadway surfacing and the installation of shoulder rumble strips after crews determined that low temperatures made the remaining work impractical for the season. With construction activity paused, all lanes have been returned to traffic for the winter season.
The project is being administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation and carried out by Fisher Sand and Gravel. Officials said crews will resume the remaining surface paving and shoulder rumble strip installation in spring when temperatures and conditions permit. Both agencies thanked the traveling public for patience and urged motorists to exercise caution while driving in winter conditions.
For residents of Las Animas County the immediate effect is a practical one. Reopening both lanes reduces detours and traffic delays for commuters, freight haulers, and travelers crossing the Colorado state line. However the suspension means planned safety features will not be in place for the remainder of winter. Shoulder rumble strips are intended to reduce run off road incidents and improve lane departure warnings, and their delayed installation leaves that specific safety improvement pending until work restarts.
The decision to suspend work reflects a common practice among highway contractors and state transportation agencies when weather would compromise paving quality and the durability of safety installations. Pausing construction preserves the integrity of final surfacing, but it also pushes the project timeline into the spring construction season. That shift can affect local scheduling for follow on work and may influence traffic management plans when crews return.
Local stakeholders including truck operators, emergency services, and tourism related businesses should factor the construction pause into winter travel planning. Motorists are advised to monitor road conditions, carry appropriate equipment for winter travel, and follow any advisories issued by NMDOT. Residents who want updates can consult New Mexico Department of Transportation channels for notices on the project schedule and the timing of resumption in spring.
The November suspension closes the construction chapter for now, returning the highway to regular traffic flow while deferring the project finishing touches until warmer weather enables durable completion.
