New Bypass Road Opens in Rio Communities, Eases Truck Traffic

City officials, state lawmakers and industry partners gathered December 23 to dedicate Founders Way, a new 100 foot wide, 1.3 mile bypass just north of the Arcosa Wind Towers manufacturing plant in the Rio Grande Industrial Park. The route connects N.M. 304 and N.M. 47 and was built primarily to move semi truck traffic out of downtown Rio Communities, easing congestion and wear on local streets.

Mayor Joshua Ramsell said the road is city owned and will be maintained by Rio Communities, and that all motorists are welcome to use the new roadway. "This will alleviate the congestion we had in town, and we're glad to have it completed," Ramsell said. The mayor also thanked state and local leaders for support and acknowledged landowners who donated permanent easements for the alignment, including the Martin Sisneros family, Felipe Sanchez and Harvey Yates.

Funding for the project came from Local Economic Development Act money in the amount of $6.5 million provided by the state. Officials said the investment was arranged quickly after Arcosa and local jurisdictions reached agreement that a dedicated bypass was necessary to accommodate the 190 foot wind tower components the company ships from its facility. Prior to the road opening in November of 2025, those transports periodically required closure of the intersection of N.M. 304 and N.M. 47 and sent oversized loads through the heart of town on their way to U.S. 60 in Socorro County and then west to Interstate 25.

Rhona Espinoza, executive director of the Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce, introduced dignitaries at the ribbon cutting and described the project as a long awaited boost for the manufacturing sector. State Senator Liz Stefanics praised local leaders and said Rio Communities has a "very powerful group of people" who have pushed the project through.

For residents the immediate impact will be fewer large trucks moving through neighborhoods, less frequent traffic stoppages at the main intersection and reduced roadside disruption. For local government the new, city owned route creates a direct corridor for industrial traffic and positions the Rio Grande Industrial Park for additional economic activity. Officials said continued coordination among the city, the county, the New Mexico Department of Transportation and private partners will be important to manage future growth and to ensure the road meets long term needs for safety and freight movement.