More Heavy Load Travel Delays Nov. 12-15

Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 12:00 AM

The New Mexico Department of Transportation announced today that travelers should expect delays in northwest New Mexico November 12-15 due to trucks hauling extremely heavy loads to Utah. The loads are transformers that will arrive in Thoreau, New Mexico by train and will then be loaded onto the trucks.

From NM-DOT:

NMDOT Advises of Potential Traffic Delays Movement of Second Heavy Load Transfer Scheduled To Begin November 12

Santa Fe - The New Mexico Department of Transportation announced today that travelers should expect delays in northwest New Mexico toward the end of the week of November ninth due to trucks hauling extremely heavy loads to Utah. The loads – which are the heaviest to ever be transported on New Mexico roadways – are transformers that will arrive in Thoreau, New Mexico by train and will then be loaded onto the trucks.

The first heavy equipment transformer weighing more than 1.7 million pounds completed its route through New Mexico on October 30. The movement of the second transformer is scheduled to travel this week, weighing more than 1.6 million pounds. This load will be 411 feet long, 22 feet wide and 19 feet tall, with one truck pulling and five trucks pushing each load, just as the previous load.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead of time to avoid delays. The route for the second load is as follows:

Thursday, 11/12/15 (9 a.m.) - Depart Thoreau, NM and travel north on NM 371 to Navajo Route 9, near Crownpoint at approximately 10 mph. Expected travel time is 4-5 hours.

Friday, 11/13/15 (9 a.m.) - Depart and travel west on Navajo Route 9 to US 491 just north of Twin Lakes.

Saturday, 11/14/15 (9 a.m.) - Depart and travel north on US 491 to US 64, south of Shiprock. Expected travel time is seven hours.

Sunday, 11/15/15 (9 a.m.) - Depart and travel west on US 64 to the Arizona/NM Border. Expected travel time is 3-4 hours.

NMDOT has been assured that the transportation won’t affect emergency vehicles. The New Mexico State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau will escort the caravan along all NM and US routes.

More from Local News

Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.
First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.