Another Semi Crash

 

Yesterday, I was planning to go into Gallup to pick up some groceries for home and for Thanksgiving Day. During our group's morning coffee at Denny's, we noticed that eastbound I-40 traffic was slowing and eventually stopped. 

Before we departed Denny's, I checked my phone for the traffic report and it said that the highway would be closed for two hours due to an accident in the Coolidge area. Well, as it turned out, the highway eastbound was closed a lot longer than two hours and vehicles were backed up to the McGaffey exit. The snarl stretched into the late afternoon.

I still could have gone into Gallup, as the westbound lane were clear. Getting back home is another story. So I decided to wait until today before going into Gallup. 

Later, I saw some details on the traffic snarl. 

This is from the McKinley County Sheriff:

One lane is open. Traffic is slow in the area.

I40, eastbound near the 41.5 MM (just east of Flying J), will be closed for about 2 hours. Crews are working in the area to clean up debris from a semi crash that occurred earlier. Back up starts near the 39 MM, by Flying J. Please seek an alternate route.

It never fails. Most accidents on Interstate 40 always seem to involve semi trucks.  

Just Got Rain Today

Above, the front yard this evening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, we didn't get any snow today in Jamestown, but we did get some rain. Even that is welcome.

I had to go to Thoreau (about 14 miles east) to pick up some groceries and have an early dinner at Lil's Cafe. On the way, I did get some snow shower pelting in Coolidge, but that only lasted a minute or so.

I understand that another storm is coming in on Saturday. Maybe we'll get our first snow then. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 70% chance of rain/snow.

Storm On Its Way

Above, storm clouds heading to Continental Divide. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The expected storm is on its way.

I went 15 miles east to Thoreau to pick up a few items at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. While heading there, I saw dark clouds coming in. I even got into a hail squall as I was driving on Interstate 40. The hail was minute in size, but they were bouncing on the hood of the Mustang.

Above, the front yard and the mesas in the distance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The main part of the storm is expected this afternoon. I noticed some areas around getting downpours, especially the mesas across the valley.

We're expected to get rain and snow showers this afternoon.

I figured I'd best get what I needed before the storm arrives. 

It was nice to see open two lanes in each direction on Interstate 40 in Coolidge after over two years of road and bridge construction. 

Snowstorm Aftermath

Above, the deck this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The snowstorm has passed, but it left a mess on the highways in New Mexico.

A few miles away from me, two semi trucks have collided in the Coolidge area and blocked Interstate 40. Some reports of black ice in the Iyanbito area have been posted.

For myself, I need to go into Gallup today to pick up cat food and other things. Hopefully, the roads will be drivable within the community so that I can safely drive the Mustang on them and get to Interstate 40. There's no driving issues where the Jeep is concerned. 

After dealing with another issue, I took a look outside and the above photo was what I saw.

Potholes: U.S. Highways Get A 'D' Rating

Above, eastbound I-40 traffic at a complete standstill as potholes
 get patched in Coolidge, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For months, we have been griping about the potholes in New Mexico, particularly along Interstate 40 at the road construction zone in Coolidge. 

Several times, the road had to be closed for temporary repairs for a couple of hours midday. For three nights, the Interstate had to be closed for 8 hours so that more extensive repairs could be made overnight.

It is not just New Mexico that is having problems with potholes and Interstate highways in disrepair.

The state of our highways are getting worse and RV Travel has posted an article on this.

They start it with:

I have traveled the interstate highways many times over the years. They used to be the smoothest, fastest way to go. Now the interstates are filled with potholes and traffic. The traffic I can deal with, even through big city interchanges. It’s those (fill in your favorite expletive) potholes that bang up the tires, throw out the alignment, and hurt my back. It is so bad that the American Society of Civil Engineers rated our roads a D with more than 40 percent in need of repair. The World Economic Forum rates the United States 13th in a list of countries’ Overall Infrastructure with an 87.9 score. Recently, IH-20 through Shreveport, LA, IH-59 through Chattanooga, TN, and IH-40 through Knoxville, TN, all fall into that category for me.

To read more, go here. 

Interstate 40 Problems Persist

Above, the long line of traffic going eastbound on I-40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I decided to have dinner in Gallup. 

When I got to the I-40 bridge, I saw that a long line of vehicles stopped in the eastbound lanes. It appears that the two night closure of eastbound Interstate 40 for road pothole repairs in Coolidge (MM 44) this week didn't do much good.

As I headed down to Gallup (there were no problems with the westbound lanes), I saw that the long line of vehicles stretched four miles to milepost 35, four miles west of my Jamestown exit.

While at dinner in Gallup, I monitored the traffic situation so that, if necessary, I can take an alternate route through Mariano Lake on Navajo Service Routes 11 and 49 (these are in the Navajo Nation).

As it was somewhat expected, the traffic was still backed up, so I took the alternate routes home. Strangely, the Navajo Service Routes were almost pothole-free. I only saw a couple of them and they were already patched. 

Although the alternate route added 40 more miles to my drive home, I didn't mind it as it is a nice drive through the Navajo Nation. The area is mainly comprised of  Navajo ranches and rock formations. The route would eventually take me to Thoreau where I got onto Interstate 40 westbound to home. 

Although a longer drive, at least I didn't have to sit in traffic for hours.

Interstate 40 To Be Closed Eastbound From Gallup 2 Nights

Tonight and tomorrow night are going to be interesting.

Eastbound Interstate 40 from Gallup will be closed both nights from 9:00 to 6:00 for road repairs at Coolidge (MM 44) due to a constant pothole problem. The only way the New Mexico Department of Transportation can make effective repairs is to close the highway.

From KOAT:

The New Mexico State Police have alerted motorists planning to travel east on I-40 through Gallup, that the road will be closed at Exit 16 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 27 and 28.

With no detour available at that location, travelers have been advised to seek overnight accommodations in Gallup.

Exiting eastbound out of the city will be prohibited during the planned night work. No detour is available. Traffic will not be permitted to use local routes.

Potholes Return To Coolidge

Above, today and before the storms. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that we will have another week of rain and snow.

As such, I went to the Flying J to pick up a couple of gallons of water for the coffeemaker so I won't run out during the storm(s). While heading there, I saw a long line of cars and trucks stopped on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40. Cars and trucks were stopped in the southbound lane of the overpass to the Flying J. As the northbound lane was clear, I headed over. 

I saw several cars pass the stopped vehicles on the bridge by going south in the northbound lane. I figured I'd do the same. According to the county office of emergency management, the construction area at Coolidge has the single detour lane under repair, thanks to Phineas G. Pothole. This has become an everyday occurrence.

I got what I needed and headed home. I passed the stopped vehicles on the overpass bridge by going around them in the northbound lane. No problems.

So now, all I have to contend with is the coming storm that should be hitting here tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, the week in Jamestown, New Mexico looks like this:

Tonight

A slight chance of rain showers before 9pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday

Rain and snow showers likely before 3pm, then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night

A chance of rain showers before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after noon. High near 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday

Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy.

Thursday

A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Here We Go Again, I-40 Closed

Above, stopped traffic on I-40 near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing I went into Gallup to pick up a strongbox (that I was having re-keyed) and do some quick grocery shopping earlier this morning.

I received the following email from McKinley County:

Per the New Mexico Department of Transportation as of 11:23 a.m.

Eastbound I-40 is closed at mile marker 44 (Coolidge Interchange) while crews repair the roadway through the construction zone. NO DETOUR AVAILABLE. WATCH FOR SLOW MOVING OR STOPPED TRAFFIC. EXPECT DELAYS. This event will be updated on NMRoads.com as conditions change.

It is estimated that the Interstate will be closed for about two hours. I was stuck in stopped traffic yesterday as road crews were repairing a large pothole. It appears the pothole problem is back today.

Fortunately, I am at home and just finished running the mini-bike and Jeep for a while. Despite fixing a couple of things on the Jeep, it is still running a bit ratty (I drove it around the block). I'll have to bring it into the mechanic's when the weather is warmer during spring.

Stuck In Traffic

Above, looking east near Coolidge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After checking my mailbox at the Flying J, I decided to go do some grocery shopping in Thoreau.

Unfortunately, it took me over and hour and a half to go the 15 miles to Thoreau. Eastbound Interstate 40 ground to a halt at the construction area at the Coolidge off-ramp. It seems that a large pothole formed in the single lane that was open. So the New Mexico Department of Transportation stopped all traffic so that repairs could be made.

Above, looking west. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They did do a temporary fix last night, but that came apart today. We sat stopped for an hour and a half for the repairs could be done. 

Luckily for me, I wasn't too far from the beginning of the stoppage as traffic was jammed all the way to Gallup. When we got the go-ahead to proceed at 1:45, I was able to get going and out of the area in no time.

After doing my shopping and was headed back home, I saw a line of traffic as long as the eye can see in the eastbound lanes.

Missing Person From Coolidge, New Mexico

This hits a little too close to home.

A 20-year-old woman has been reported missing. She is from Coolidge, New Mexico, which is a village between Jamestown and Continental Divide. Coolidge is about 8 miles east of Jamestown off Interstate 40.

The McKinley County Sheriff posted on Facebook:

Deputies are currently looking for RAELENE CHARLEY (20years old) she was last seen this morning leaving her residence on County Road 27 in Coolidge. She was leaving to attend classes in Albuquerque NM. She was last seen driving a 2017 maroon Ford Fusion (like the one pictured below) with NM plates AYRD02 and tinted windows. RAELENE was last seen wearing light blue medical scrubs and a black Nike shirt. Her left forearm does have a butterfly and Bible scripture and her right forearm has a quote. 

Please contact Metro Dispatch (505)722-2002 if you see her or her vehicle.

If you know anyone in New Mexico, particularly the Gallup area, please pass this blog post to them.

UPDATE (7/6/21):

The McKinley County posted the following:

UPDATE!! RAELENE has been found and is back home with her family. 

Spelunking Today

Above, inside one cave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was rather, uh, interesting.

I was called this afternoon from the mechanic's shop in Gallup saying that the Jeep was ready. They found the carburetor loose and it needed new points, condenser and spark plugs.

Nandoh took me down and I got the Jeep and began driving it home on Historic Route 66. At about milepost 30 (near the entrance to the Fort Wingate Army Depot), the Jeep started bucking. I pulled over to the entrance to the Depot. I gave it a rest for a few minutes and then drove back to the mechanic's shop. Before doing so, I called them and they were expecting me.

At about a mile and a half from the mechanic's, the Jeep gave out and I had to get it towed in the rest of the way. Nandoh arrived just after the tow truck and we followed the tow truck in.

So, we headed out after dropping off the Jeep. Nandoh and I were talking about interesting places for Jeeping and hiking and we decided to check out some caves in Cibola National Forest just south of the communities of Coolidge and Continental Divide.

We stopped on a hilltop and enjoyed the view of forests and wide meadows of cattle. We then headed to the caves and hiked down to explore them. I haven't gone caving (or spelunking) since I was a kid. It was an enjoyable activity and I was surprised how well the old body tolerated the hiking and climbing. I should sleep well tonight. This was great exercise.

We kidded each other about rattlesnakes during the hike, but we saw none (thank goodness).

Here's some photos of our spelunking:

I-40 New Mexico Exit 39 Roadwork

Above, the approach to the bridge that's been reduced to one lane and temporary signal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A major bone of contention for the community of Jamestown is the current road and bridge work at Exit 39 on Interstate 40. It has fermented a "road rage" of a different kind.

This week, temporary traffic signals have been placed at the on-ramps and off-ramps and the bridge going across the highway has been reduced to one lane.

The wait time for getting across the bridge has been nearly five minutes. That is a big irritant to the locals.

Above, the refinery and Flying J across Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When this project was first contemplated, no public hearings took place (I've been told) for residents can voice their opinions. I find this to be very odd.

Another source of irritation is that the bridge it so be repaired, not replaced. This is even more irritating as the next exits, westbound (Iyanbito) and eastbound (Coolidge), got new bridges. Those exits have nowhere near the traffic that ours has.

Since work on the bridge and highway began, the potholes in the road on the approaches to the bridge on both sides have gotten worse.

So, I guess we're going to just tough this out.