New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) says there will be no delay to plans for suicide deterrent measures on a landmark bridge, despite the resignation of its transport secretary Ricky Serna.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, New Mexico, has been closed to pedestrians since September after a significant increase in incidents involving people in crisis.

The slender lines of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge at Taos soar over the desert landscape. Credit: Roman Pohorecki/Pexels

The railings on the Rio Grande Bridge. Credit: Brigitte Werner/Pixabay

NMDOT confirmed that it has allocated US$5 million for the project and that it will have a design for improved railings by July 2026. It will welcome bids on the contract at that point.

NMDOT described the closure of the bridge to pedestrians as ‘one component of a much larger challenge involving mental health issues and gaps in service for those in need.’

The steel deck arch, which was famously known as a bridge to nowhere when it was completed, takes Highway 64 180m over the Rio Grande.